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COMPLETE COLLECTION 



OF 



SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

EXPLAINED 
AND MADE INTELLIGIBLE 

TO THE 

iEnglteB matter* 



BY JAMES KELLY. MA 



The genins, wit, and spirit of a nation, are discovered 
bv their Proverbs. -r-Bacon. 



I ON DON : 



PRINTED FOR RODWELL # MARTIN, BOND STREET. 

1818. 



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TO 

HIS GRACE 

J A M E S, 

Duke of Hamilton, &c. First Peer of the Kingdom of 

Scotland, and to the most Noble and 

Right Honourable the 

NOBILITY, 

THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE 

GENTRY, 

AND MY BELOVED COUNTRYMEN THE 

COMMONALTY, 

OF THAT ANCIENT AND NOBLE KINGDOM, 
THIS COLLECTION OF 

THEIR 

Is with all Duly and Humility dedicated by their 
Graces, Lordships, and Honours 
Affectionate Countryman 

And most humble Servant, 

J A. KELLY, 

a 3 



XI 



THE INTRODUCTION. 

T SUPPOSE it to be- a thing common to all nations, and languages, 
-* to deliver their minds, as occasion offers, in proverbB : which 
are short, dogmatical, concise senteuces, accommodated to the prin- 
cipal concerns of life ; commonly used, and commonly known ; and, 
for the most part, conceived in figurative expressions, where one 
thing is said, and another thing understood and applied. 

Among others, the Scot3 ire wonderfully given to this way of 
speaking : and, as the consequence of that, abound with proverbs, 
many of whom are very expressive, quick, and home to the purpose. 
And indeed this humour prevails universally over the whole nation, 
especially among the better sort of the commonalty, none of whom 
will discourse you any considerable time, but he will confirm every 
assertion and observation w ith a Scottish proverb. 

To that nation I owe my birth and education ; and to that manner 
of speaking I was used from my infancy, and that to such a degree, 
that I became, in some measure, remarkable for it. 

Once, upon a very trifling occasion, I would try, for experiment, 
how many Scottish proverbs I could readily remember : and, in a 
very short time, I wrote down above one thousand two hundred, as 
they offered in discourse, or occurred to my memory. I then began 
to think that a longer time would certainly produce a greater num- 
ber; and so resolved to divert myself that way for some time. I do 
not know that there was ever any collection of this sort, save one, 
and that was made above one hundred and twenty years ago, by one 
Mr. David Fergusson, minister of Dumfermlin, who died in the year 
1598. I had made a considerable progress in this Collection before 
I could possibly meet with that book : and when I did, I found that 
they only amounted to nine hundred forty-five, of which I had al- 
ready anticipated the most and best. The rest were either obsolete, 
that I did not understand, or insignificant by words, and silly com- 
parisons that were not worth the transcribing. 

When I first began to think of publishing this my Collection, I 
proposed to myself four things : 

I. To write down none but those which I knew to be native, ge- 
nuine Scottish proverbs; but, as I proceeded, I found it impossible 
strictly to distinguish the Scottish from the English. For both nations 
speak the same language, have constant intercourse the one with the 
other, and, no doubt borrow their proverbs the one from the other. 
Ifot only so, but I found, upon further inquiry, that many of these 
proverbs, which I believed to be genuine Scottish proverbs, were not 
only English, but French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, and Greek pro- 
verbs; for the sense and sentiments of mankind, as to the main con- 
cerns of life, are much the same, and their observations about them, 
being often repeated, became proverbs, which though differing in 
words, express the same thoughts. Let a man read over Phocilides, 
Theoguis, and other fragments of the Greek Gnomists, he shall find 
many of these proverbs~almost literally expressed ; so hard a thing 
it is to know what proverbs are proper to any one nation : so that f 
found myself obliged to set down all those tor Scottish proverbs that 
are used in Scotland, and by Scottish men, though many are common 
to the English; and not a few, perhaps, originally of that nation. 

II. I resolved to collect none but those which had been the re- 
sult of prudent observation, or carried in them some moral instruc- 
tion, or, at least, were odd and comical in the expression; for I did 
not think trifling by-words, silly phrases, or insignificant compari- 

.st»ns worth my while: and, in pursuanre of this resolution, I have 
left out more than 1 have taken in. As, 

Gift 

W. r u. &ko&Bi&kQr 

J 3 '06 



THE INTRODUCTION. v 

First, All superstitious observations of times, persons, places, or 
Cther things which the vulgar call soiisie or unsonsie. As, 
It is no sonsie to meet a bare foot in the morning. 
The first snail going with you, and the first lamb meeting you, 
bodes a good year. 
For these are apt to fill men's minds with panick apprehensions, 
and debauches their sense of, and dependance upon Almighty God. 
Secondly, 1 have omitted all proverbial imprecations with which 
the Scots abound. As, 

Dee'l ding a divat off your weime with a slaughter spade. 
Dee'l pish in your arse, and make twa-periny tape of it. 
Dee'l raise you, and set you down with a rattle. 
For these are abominable, and wholly inconsistent with the 
Christian profession; yet 1 have retained some proverbial ill 
wishes, because they are comically expressed, and commonly used 
without malice. 

Thirdly, I have left out all those which are opeuly obscene; and 
these are very many, pat, and expressive. But since it does not be- 
come a man of manners to use them, it does not become a man of 
my age and profession to write them. 

Fourthly, 1 have left out all insignificant comparisons, which are- 
only forms and phrases, but can make no man the wiser, or better 
for using or knowing them. As, 

As bare as the bii k at Yule even. 
As wantou as a wet hare. 
As busy as a bee iu a tar barrel. 
Fifthly, I have left out all trilling by w^rds, and proverbial phrases, 
I mean such as are equally silly and useless. As, 

Good day to you all and deai't among you. 
Go fiddle my dog a dance. 
Eat jour fill and leave your leavings. 
And, indeed, to have written down all the Scottish proverbial 
phrases, had been to have transcribed a great share of the language 
used in that country. 

Sixthly, I have rejected all those proverbs that seem to make too 
homely with the Almighty Being, for they are apt to wear off that 
awful sense that every good mau ought to have of the Divine 
Majesty. 

III. My third resolution was to explain those of them whose sense 
and meaning was not so obvious; either by shewing the original 
from whence they arose, the occasion on which they are spoken, the 
objects to which they are apply 'd, or their meaning is given in a 
short paraphrase. This was wanting in the first Collection, and 
therefore the meaning of some of them is not now so easily un- 
derstood. 

IV. My fourth resolution was to make these proverbs plain and 
intelligible to the English: and, in order to this, I have written the 
English words in the margin that correspond to the Scottish in the 
proverb : and I have spelled the Scottish words that differ from the 
English only in accent and pronunciation as the English do; except 
where the rhyme and decorum of the proverb necessarily require it 
to be olherways : so instead of writing stain, bean, tnair, sair, I 
have written stone, bone, more, sore, for so the Scots write these 
words on other occasions, and have done so ever since the year 
1613. I know my countrymen will quarrel with me for this, as 
spoiling a great deal of the briskness and vigour of the phrase ; but 
1 am not without apprehensions, that if I had spelled them as they 
pronounce them, they themselves would have found some difficulty 
in reading of them, whereas here they will find none. I have now 
and then interspersed some English proverbs, and Latin sentences, 



vi THE INTRODUCTION. 

agreeable to the sense of the preceding proverb, but without any 
great industry or design, for the most part, as they occurred to my 
memory as I was writing. 

It is not possible that so large a Collection should deserve any 
other character than that which Martial gives to his epigrams, viz. 
part good, part bad, and part indifferent. Yet I believe I may 
venture to say, that there will be found among these as great a num- 
ber of good, significant, and useful proverbs, as in any collection of 
that nature yet extant : not excepting the Greek and Latin of Eras- 
mus, or Mr. Kay's English. For though the first has collected three 
chiliads aud a half; yet, if you take from among those, trifling com- 
parisons, and insignificant phrases, the useful and instructive pro- 
verbs will be far from making one chiliad. The design of that 
great person being not so much to collect instructive proverbs, 
as to explain the allusive and proverbial phrases in the Greek, 
and Latin authors, that were then coming in use upon the revival 
of learning. The ingenious Mr. Ray was odds of ten years in col« 
lecting the English Proverbs, had the use of all the former collec- 
tions, and the assistance of his friends and acquaintance in the se- 
veral parts of England ; yet his whole Collection amounts only to 
two thousand seven hundred sixty-five. And of these he rejects six 
hundred fifty-five, which, so far as he knew, were not in use in Eng- 
land, but by former collectors borrowed from other languages ; and 
he writes two hundred five in italick character, as not being sure 
that they are English ; and he has only nine hundred eighty-one 
sentences, the rest being phrases, similes, and local proverbs, of the 
manners and remarkable things in the several shires of England; 
whereas there arc here above three thousand, all entire sentences, 
all of them in present common use among the Scots, over and above 
the interspersed English and Latin, which will outdo even Erasmus 
himself: and, though this number may seem very great to belong to 
one nation, yet I doubt not but there are many hundreds more which 
either I have not heard, or has not occurred to me. 

1 am not unsensible that a great many of these proverbs are va- 
riously pronounced in the different parts of that nation, and even in 
one and the same place, as they are spoken ou different occasions, 
and apply'd to various objects. I have wrote them down here either 
as I have heard them oftenest, or as I think they will do best. 

It was my misfortune not to have met with Mr. Ray before this 
Collection was arrived to too great a height to be unravelled, other- 
ways I had certainly imitated him in his rational alphabetical me- 
thod ; but I have endeavoured to supply that defect by an Index, 
not of the initial words, which (as he well observes) are variable 
without the least diminution to the sense of the proverb, but of the 
principal word in it, so that a man remembring the principal word 
of any proverb it is but looking for that word in the Index, and 
that will point to him the letter and number where it is to be found. 
If there be more principal words than one, I have either taken 
them all, or that word that seems to be the hinge upon which the 
proverb turns. 

If there be any other objection against this my performance, I 
have one apology for all, and that is, that I made this Collection 
without any regard either to honour or profit, but only to give my- 
self a harmless, innocent, scholar-like divertisement in my declining 
years; yet if what I have done be any way grateful either to the 
English, whom I honour and esteem, or to the Scots, whom I love 
and affect, 1 shall be well pleased. 

Qnibus haec sint qnaliacunque 

Arridere velim; dolitorus si placearrt spe 
Deterios nostra. 



THE 

SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

COLLECTED, EXPLAINED, AND MADE INTELLIGIBLE TO 
THE ENGLISH. 



A a Yell sow was never good to b griccs. 

Spoken lo those, who having no children of their own, deal 
harshly by other peoples. 

2. A c bony bride is soon d .busked. 

3. A short horse is soon e whisked. 

These two proverbs are often repeated together for tlie 
rhyme's sake : the first signifies, that what is of itself beauti- 
ful, needs but little adorning : and the other, that a little task 
is soon ended ; and answers to the English, A thin meadow is 
soon mow'd. 

4. After word comes f weird ; s fair fall them that call 

me madam. 

A facetious answer to them who call you by a higher title 
than vour present station deserves; as calling a young cler- 
gyman doctor, or a young merchant alderman, as if you would 
say, all in good time. 

Lat. — Non raro parva sunt magnarum rerum indicia. 

5. All overs is vice, but over the water. 

This shews the folly of all extremes, translated from the 
Latin, Omne nimium vertilur in vitium. 

Eng. — There is a difference between staring and stark mad. 
Lat. — Dum vitant humum nubes <k mania eaplaut. 

6. A head full of hair, a h kirkje full of. hips, and a 

briestfull ofpapes, are three sure marks of a * daw. 
These physiognomical proverbs have little truth or certainty 
in them, and miss as oft as they hit. 

7. A wilful man wanted never woe. 

Because he often miscarries in his attempts, by sticking 
too close to his own opinion. 

Eng. — Will will have wilt, though it wo win. 



a Barren. b pigs ; the Scots spell it gryses. e Pretty. 

d Dress'd. e Curried. f Good fortune. S Well may the v be. 
h Petticoat. > Slut. 

B 



2 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

8. A wilful man should be very wise. 

Because he will not take the assistance of other mens wisdom, 

9. A poor man gets a poor marriage, and that's no 

meet for him. 

Spoken when people of mean condition are meanly treated. 
The literal sense is well expressed by Juvenal ; 

Quis gener hie placuit censu minor, atque puellae Sarc- 
cinulis impar. 

10. A k sooth bourd is no 'bourd. 

Spoken when people reflect too satyrically upon the real 
vices, follies, and miscarriages of their neighbours. 
Eng. — The truest jest sounds worst in guilty ears. 

11. All new things m stqrts ; quoth the good wife, 
when she n gae'd ly to the c hireman. 

People are generally much affected with novelties. 
Lat. — Est nalura hominum novilatis avida. 

12. A hungry man sees meat far. 
Necessity sharpens industry and invention. 

13. A pound of care will not pay an ounce of debt. 
Care here is taken for trouble, vexation and concern, bv which 

no business will be effected, but rather In patience and industry. 
Eng. — Sorrow quits no scores. 

14. A begun turn is half ended ; quoth the good 
wife, when she stuck the p grape in the iinidding. 

Eng. — Well begun half ended. 

Answerableio the Latin. 

Dimidium facti qui bene csepithabet. 

15. Ay, as you thrive your feet falls from you. 
Spoken when people meet with unexpected interruptions in 

their business. The English say, 

The further you go, the further behind. 

16. All is not gold that glisters, nor maidens that 

wear their hair. 

It was the fashion some years ago for virgins to go bare 
headed ; the proverb means, that every thing is not so good 
as it appears. 

Lai. — Fronti nulla fides. 

Item. — Non omne quod splenuet aurum est. 

17. All corn is not shorn by r kempers. 

Things may be done well enough by men of ordinary 
strength, power, or skill, though not excelling in any of 

k Tiue. ' Jest. m Affects. n Went to bed. ° Sn-vanrman. 
P Dungfork. 1 Dunghill. r Great reapers that strive for the 
mastery. 



EXPLAINED TN ENGLISH. 3 

these; and it is offer'd in excuse for a man who may be use- 
ful in his art or profession, though there are many better. 
Eng. — The greatest strokes make not the finest music. 

18. All the winning is in the first buying. 

For if you buy dear at first, you can hardly propose to 
gain by retailing. 

19. As good a merchant tines as wins by a time. 
For a good merchant may meet with misfortunes. 

20. As broken a ship has come to laud. 

A tiling has been in as great danger, and escaped : or, as 
unlikely a thing has come to pass. 

21. A nod of an honest man is enough. 

Because an honest man will make good all his promises, 
though they were only given in signs. 

22. A good s grieve i.s better than an ill worker. 
Because he will oversee the work with discretion, and 

keep the labourers to their work. 

23. A dumb man never got land. 

24. Spare to speak, and spare to speed. 

These two signify, that unless a man make interest, and 
importune, he will not readily come to profit, honour, or ad- 
vancement. 

Eng. — A close mouth catcheth no flies. 

25. An ass may spear mo questions than a doctor can 

answer. 

Appiy'd to Ihem that ask imnprfJ.^v* '--. "" , ., 

»Lg«i-H iuoi may ask more questions in an hour, than a 

wise man can answer in seven years. 

Lat. — Plus rogabit asinus, quam respondeat Aristoteles. 

26. All cracks may not be l trowed. 

An encouragement not to fear when ice, or any thing else 
we stand upon cracks. The jest is in the double signification 
of the word crack, which sometimes signifies the noise of a 
thing in breaking, and sometimes a merry story. 

27. A man of many trades begs his bread on Sunday. 
It is observ'd, that a man of many trades seldom thrives 

so well, as he that sticks closely to one. The English have 
a proverb near akin to this, viz. 

The better the tradesman, the worse the husband. 

28. A wie house has a wide throat. 

Spoken to deter people from marriage, because a family, 
though never so small, will require something to support it. 

s Overseer. * Believ'd, 



4 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

29. As good never a bit, as never the better. 

Unless you make a thing the better for you, you had as 
good let it alone. 

30. A man is a lion in his own cause. 

No man so zealous for, or assiduous in, a man's business, 
as himself. 

Lat. — Proque sua causa quisque disertus erit. 

31. A borrow'd loan should come laughing home. 
What a man borrows he should return with thankfulness, 

rather better than worse. 

32. A wight man never wanted a weapon. 

A man of sense, and good presence of mind, will never 
want means to carry on his business, but will make a tool of 
the first thing that comes to his hands. 

33. All that you'll get will be a u kist, and a v sheet 

after all. 
Spoken to them that are too eager on the world, intimating 
that they can take nothing to the grave, save a coffin, and a 
windingsbeet. 

Lat. — Haud ullas portabis opes Acheronlis ad undas, 
Nudus ad infernas, stulte, vehere, rates. 

34. A gentle horse should be w sindle spur'd. 

A man of a free spirit should not be too much imporlun'd. 
Lat. — Non opus admisso fodere calcar equo. 

Lad peo^ife iimj ™£= B „ ^_5., , .._. ^ A vmA _ had 
Natura a parenlibus, gratia a Deo. 

36. As soon goes the lambskin to the market as the 
old sheeps. The English say, 

Of young die many, 
Of old men 'sc;,ne not any. 

Lai. — Misla seunin ac juvenum densantur funera, nullum 
Saeva caput proserpina fugit. 

37. A ounce of mother wit is worth a pound of clergy. 
The English have two special proverbs to this purpose. 
Tire grealest cleiks are not always the wisest men. 

A handful of good life is better than a bushel of learning. 

I have observed that a man of mean parts, and slow under- 
standing, though he may have a memory to make him a soil 
of a scholar, makes the vilest figure in the world. 

Lat. — Merus scholaslicus, merits asiuus. 

38. A good pawn never sham'd its master. 

u A coffin. v A windingsheet. w Seldom. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 5 

It is no shame for a man to borrow on a good pawn ; though 
I think it would be more for his honour, to be trusted without 
one. 

39. A x fidging mare should be well girded. 

A cunning tricky fellow should not be trusted without 
great caution. 

40. A cock is y crouse on Iris own z midding. 

A man is stout when he is at home, and has his friends and 
relations about him. 

Lat. — Gallus, in suo sterquilinio, plurimum potest. 

41. As one flits, another sits, and that makes the 

a mealings dear. 
The reason why farms give a good price, is, because when 
one man gives them up, another is ready to take them * but 
apply'd only, when one sits down in the seat that another rose 
out of*. 

42. A penny more buys the whistle. 

Spoken when one gets a bargain for a little more than was 
offer'd for it; or at cards, when a card is taken by a card 
just bigger by one. 

43. A good tongue is a good weapon. 

Because it will give no provocation, and so supersede all 
use of any other weapon. 

Eng. — He that would live in peace and rest, 
Must hear, and see, and say the best. 

44. All your geese are swans. 

Spoken to those who are highly conceited of what is their own. 

45. A dry summer never made a dear peck. 

I do not know any observation of weather, or seasons, 
that holds so true as this in these nations ; for though the 
straw in such years be short, yet the grain is good and hearty. 
I remember no remarkable dry summers but three, 1676, 
1690, 1713, and all of them very plentiful. 

Eng. — Drought never bred dearth. 

46. A' that is said should not be seal'd, 

Spoken when people tell us that such a thing is said, which 
we are not willing to have believed. 
Eng. — They say so, is half a lie. 
Lat. — Credere fallaci, gravis est dementia famag. 

47. All that is said in the kitchen, should not be 
heard in the b hall. 



x Skittish, y Stout, courageous. z Dungbil. a Farms. 
b Parlour. B 3 



O SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Every thing that a man may say of his neighbour, perhaps 
with no ill intention, should not be whisper'd to him, for he 
may take that ill, that was not ill design'd; and indeed such 
usage can do him little service, and may do him much harm. 

48. A guilty conscience self accuses. 

A man that has done ill, by his slight, fear, or diffidence, 
shews his guilt. 

Lat. — Se judice nemo nocens absolvitur. 

49. All cats are alike grey in the night. 
Eng. — Joan's as good as my lady, in the dark. 

Lat. — Sublala lucerna, nihil interest inter mulieres. Item. 
Noc'te latent mendae, vitioque ignoscilur onini, 
Horaqne formosam quamlibel ista facit. 

50. A hungry louse bites sore. 

Spoken when needy people are importunate in their crav- 
ing or exacting. 

51. A word to a wise man. 

Spoken when yon give a man a small hint of a thing, inti- 
mating that, if he has sense, he'll understand you. 

Eng. — Send a wise man of an errand, and say nothing to him. 
Lat. — Verbuin sapienti sat est. 

52. A tinklar was never a town-taker, 
A tajlor was never a hardy man, 
Nor yet a webster c leal of his trade, 
Nor ever was since the world began. 

A rhyme upon the vagrant life of the first, the sedentary un- 
active life of the second, and the thievish disposition of the 
third : but this rule admits large exceptions. 

53. A man of five, may be a fool of fifteen. 

A pregnant, pert, witty child, may prove but a heavy 
worthless man, of which I have known many instances. 
Lat — Odi puerulos praecoci sapientia. 

54. All ills are good untry'd. 

Spoken to dissuade people from dangerous exploits, of 
whose consequence they have no experience. 
Lat. — Dulce bellum inexpertis. 

55. A hen that lays without, has need of a white nest- 

e ££- 

A man given to extravagant amours in his single life, has 
need to marry a handsome wife to keep him at home. 

56. A d silverless man goes fast through the market. 
Because he does not stay to cheapen or buy. 



c Honest. d A man that has no money. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 7 

57. A halfpenny cat may look at a king. 

An answer to them that ask you, why you look at them, or 
what you look at. 
£8. A scal'd head is e eith to bleed. 

A thing that was but tender before, will easily be put out 
of order : The English is much the same. 

A scal'd head is soon broken. 

59. A * full man, and a hungry horse, make good 
speed home. 

The drunken man, not being able to sit straight upon his 
horse, sticks the spurs in his sides : and the hungry horse 
would be gladly at the manger. 

60. A going foot is ay getting, if it were but a thorn. 
A man of industry will certainly get a living; though this 

proverb is often applied to those who went abroad, and got a 
mischief, when they might have staid safely at home. 

61. An ill s willy cow should have short horns. 

It were a pity that a man of ill nature should have much au- 
thority ; for he'll be sure to abuse it. 
Eng. — A curst cur should be short ty'd. 
Lat. — Dat Deus immiti cornua curta bovi. 

62. All the keys of the world lungs not at your belt. 
Spoken to those who refuse us their help, support, or as- 
sistance ; intimating, that others may afford what they deny us. 

63. All is not h bint that's in peril. 

Signifying, that our affairs may come to a better effect, than 
is now expected. 

Eng. — It is not lost that comes at last. 

64. A green wound is half game. 
Because it commonly smarts more afterwards. 

65. All things have an end, and a pudding has two. 
Spoken sullenly ; signifying that the power of those who 

now oppose us, will soon come to an end. 

66. A friend in court is worth a penny in the purse. 
A purse seems to be the only friend at court, for, without 

that, there is nothing there but neglect, and empty promises. 
But perhaps this proverb came in use before the fashion of 
buying commissions, and placing of money. 

67. A friend's dinner is soon ' dight. 
Because a friend will be content with any thing. 
Lat. — Vilis amicorum annona est. 

• Easy. J JDrunk. e 111 natured. h LosL 

1 Made ready. 



8 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

68. As sore crys the bairn that is k dung at night, as 

he that was dung in the morning. 
He that is now in pr< sperity, when I am in adversity, may 
find as severe a change of fortune afterwards. 

Eng. — Better the last smile than the first laughter. 

69. An ill ' shearer never got a good m hook. 
Spoken to those who complain of the tool that they are 

working with, alledging that they may rather blame their own 
unskilfulness. 

Eng. — A bad workman quarrels with his tools. 

Lat. — Proba est/materia, si probam adhibeas artificem. 

70. As the old cock crows, the young cock u lears.- 
Eng. — When old age is evil, youth can learn no good. 
Lat. Ne crimina nostra sequantur. 

A nobis geniti. 

71 . All is fish that comes in the net. 
Spoken of them that make gain of every thing. 

72. A handful of trade is worth a handful of gold. 

A handful of gold is soon spent, whereas a trade will be a 
continual support. 

73. A ° tarrowing bairn was never fat. 

That is, a person always complaining of, and unsatisfied 
with his condition, cannot be happy. 

74. All things helps, quoth the wren, when she pished 
in the sea. 

Spoken when we make a little addition to a great heap. 
Eng. — Something has some savour. 
Lat. — Ex granis fit acervus. 

75. As mickle water goes by the miller when he sleeps. 
Spoken to those who make their excuse for not doing what 

yon desired them, because they are otherwise emploj'd, and 
cannot neglect their master's business ; intimating, that at 
another time they will loiter much longer. They say also, 

76. Mickle water goes by the miller when he sleeps. 
But this has a quite different signification, viz. That a man 

may have a great deal of his goods spoil'd, wasted, or purloin'd, 
that he knows nothing of; which Horace well expresses: 

Exigua est domus ubi non & mulla supersunt, 

Et dominum fallunt, & prosuut furibus. 

77. A morning-sleep is worth a fold full of sheep, to a 
u huderon, duderon daw. 

k Beaten. } Reaper. m Sickle. n Learns. 

° Complaining of their food. u A dirty, lazy drab. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 9 

A reflection upon lazy, sleepy drabs, who prefer nothing to 
soaking in their bed in the morning, and willingly consents 
to that of Erasmus, - 

Nunquam dulcior somnus, quam post exortum solem. 

78. A safe conscience makes a sound sleep. 

And doubtless a bad conscience will have the contrary effect. 

■ Quos diri conscia facti 

Mens habet attonitos, & snrdo verbere caedit. 

79. Al! Stewarts are not v sub to the king. 

Mens pretences to great things are not always well-ground- 
ed ; spoken when people boast of some great man of their name. 

80. An ill fish gets an ill bait. 

Spoken when bad people fall into misfortunes. Translated 
literally from the Latin. 

Malus piscis mains harnus. 
Item. — Malis mala proveniunt. 

81. As ill a guesser has gotten a drink. 

A senseless, but common saying, when one guesses aright. 

82. A falling master makes a standing servant. 

Men fall behind in the world by negligence and careless- 
ness in looking after their concerns, which knavish servants 
will be sure to take their advantage of: it is no new thing 
to see a receiver buy his master's estate. 

83. A pretty man I w ma'n say,take a peat and sit down. 
An ironical expression to a mean boy, who would gladly be 

esteem'd. 

Eng.- — You're a man among the geese when the gander 
is away. 

84. As you love me look in my dish. 

That is, if you pretend kindness to me, shew it by your deeds. 

85. A new besom sweeps clean. 

Spoken of new servants, who are commonly very diligent ; 
and new officers who are commonly very severe. 
86". A receipter is worse than a thief. 

True! for if there were none to receive stol'n goods, thieves 
would be discouraged. 

Eng. — As good eat the devil, as the broth he is boil'd in. 
87. A man that would thrive, must ask his wife's leave. 

If a man have an extravagant wife, he cannot thrive, unless 
his funds were inexhaustible. 

Lat. — Prodiga non sentit pereuntem faemina censum. 



Akin. w Must. 



10 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

88. A man will see bis friend in need, that will not 
see his head bleed. 

A man will see his relation struggle with poverty and want, 
tUat will not suffer his head to be broken, or his life to be in 
danger, without interposing his interest in his behalf. 

89. As you make your bed, so you lye down. 
According to your conditions you have your bargain. 
Eng.-— He that makes his bed iil, lies there. 

90. A spoonful of skitter will x spill a potful of y skink. 
An ill mixture will spoil a good composition. As dead 

flies make the ointment of (he apothecary send forth a stink- 
ing savour; so does a little foil)' him that is in reputation 
for wisdom. Eccles x. 1. 

Fug. — One ill weed will spoil a potful of pottage. 

91. Among you be't, priest's bairns, tor 'am but a 
priest's z oye. 

Spoken when we see people contending; in whose contests 
we have little concern. 

Eng. — Fight dog, fight bear, dee'l part. 

92. A good fellow never lost, but at an ill fellow's hand. 
Beeanse none bu' an ill fellow would let fain lose. 

93. A good fellow is a costly name. 

Because it requires a great deal to procure it, and more to 
uphold it ; spoken when people urge ns to spend, that we may 
he reckoned good fellows. 

94. As good holds the stirrup, as he that'loups on. 

That is, the servant may be as good a man as the master 
sometimes; but often spoken when our friend holds our stir- 
rup, when we mount our horse. 

96. A penny-weight of love is worth a pound-weight 
of law. 

A dissuasive from law suits among neighbours ; used also 
when we value a man more for his good humour than his 
skill in the laws ; and so the English say, 

A good lawver, a bad neighbour. 

96. A wise man carries his cloak in fair weather, and 

a fool wants his in rain. 
An encouragement to care, caution, and foresight, and es- 
pecially not to leave your cloak, be the weather never so en- 
couraging. 

97. A winter's night, a woman's mind, and a laird's 
purposes change oft. 

* Spoil, y Strong broth. z Grandchild. a Gets a horse back, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 11 

$8. A woman's mind is like the wind in a winter's 
night. 

Both these to the same purpose, viz. To signify the fickle- 
iiess and inconstancy of women, in which, I must say, they 
are very much rival 'd by the men. 

Lat. — Varium & mutabile semper faemina. 

99. A man can no sooner let down his b breeks, but 
you are ready to kiss his arse. 

A satyrical, spiteful reflection on them who are ready to 
offer for these bargains, which we, in hopes to gelthem cheap- 
er, give up; be it farm, house, or any such thing. 

100. AScotch mist will wet anEnglishman to the skin. 
I never knew the meaning'of this very common proverb ; 

unless it be, that a Scottish man will bear more foul weather 
than an English. 

101. As fine as fippence, you'll give a groat c raking. 
A jest upon a girl who is finely drest, whereas she us'd to 

be dirty. 

102. A man cannot sell his d tinsel. 

Spoken when a man has refused a good rale for a commo- 
dity, and afterwards lost it. 

103. A reproof is no poison. 

No indeed ! but a wholesome medicine, which whosoever 
refuse th, is brutish. 

104. A dog's life, mickle hunger, mickle ease. 
Apply'd to careless, lazy lubbers, who will not work, and 

therefore have many a hungry meal. 

105. A sore sigh from a heal heart. 

A ridicule upon hypocritical pretenders to sorrow. 

106. As day break, butter break. 

Spoken when a person, or thing, that was wanting, comes 
opportunely. 
Iu7. A hasty meeting, a hasty parting. 

An observation upon marriage- suddenly contracted, as if it 
were ominous, and portended a sudden separation. 
14)8. As the wind blows &eek your e beel. 

A politick proverb! advising us to make our interest as 
the times change. This proverb some act very dextrously, 
and others cannot get acted. 



b Breeches. c Readily, or (as they say of rahbetskins) 

running. d Loss. c Shelter. 



12 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Eng. — Poll down jour hat on the wind side. 

Lat. — Is sapiens, qui se ad causas accommodat omnes. 

109. A f wad is a fool's argument. 

Spoken when, after hot disputing, we offer to lay a wager 
that we are in the right. 

I have heard antient sagers 

Say, Fools, for arguments lay wagers. Hud. 

110. All are good lasses, but where comes the ill 
wives from ? 

No body can blame young women for putting the best 
side outmost, and concealing their bad humours till they get 
husbands : and yet many a good lass is made an ill wife by 
froward, graceless, ill-nalur'd husbands. 

111. All was e tint that fell by. 

Spoken when correction is given to them who deserve it 
well; as if no blows were amiss, but those which did not hit. 
Lat. — Leniter ex merito quicquid patiare ferendum est. 

112. An ill h plea should be well pled. 

1 13. .Make the best of a bad cause. 

Both to the same purpose ; and the one explains the other. 
Lat. — Addit & invalidae robur facundia causae. 

114. A skittering cow in the * loan would have many 
k marrows. 

Spoken when ill people pretend that others are as bad as 
themselves. 

115. A bread house l skail'd never. 

Bread is the staff' of life, and while people have that, they 
need not give over housekeeping: spoken when we have 
bread, and perhaps want something finer. 

116. A bonny sport to fare well and pay nothing for't. 
Diogenes is said to have thought that the besi wine which 

cost him nothing : but it is oft us'd as an exclamation. 
Eng. — The wholesomest meat is at another man's cost. 

117. A man of words, and not of deeds, 
Is like a garden full of weeds. 

That is, both at a distance seem something, but, when 
narrowly inspected, are nothing. 

118. Another would play a "spring, e're you tune 
your pipes. 



f Wager. % Lost. h Lawsuit. > Milking-place, 

k Companions. l Gave up housekeeping. m Tune. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 13 

That is, some would do a great deal of work, while yon 
are preparing for it. 

Eng. — Your long musing mars your memory. 

1 19. A bastard may be as good as a bowstock by a time. 
Bastard kail are a sort of cabbage that never close; those 

that close we call bowslocks; the meaning is, that a bastard 
may prove as worthy a person, sometimes, as the full begotten. 

120. An empty hand no lure for a hawk. 

If you would have any thing done for you, you must give 
something, for people will not serve you for nothing. 
Pro uihilo, as well as de nihilo, nihil fit. 
Lat. — Da si vis accipere. 

121. All is not at hand that helps. 

True ! for assistance and support may come from whence 
we cannot foresee. 

122. A n toom purse, makes a p bleat merchant. 

A man will have little confidence to buy, when he wants 
money to pa} 1 for it. 

123. As long runs the fox as he foot has. 

Spoken when a man has done his utmost, and can do no 
more. This does not answer the English. 

Every fox must pay his skin to the slayer. 

For this signifies that the crafty are at last taken. Thieves 
most commonly come to the gallows at last. 

124. A sturdy beggar should have a stout i naysayer. 
Spoken when we give a flat denial to any importunate so- 
licitor, signifying that his importunity deserves such usage. 

125. Au r olight mother makes a s sweir daughter. 
Because she does the work herself, and does not set her 

daughter about it, whereby she contracts a habit of laziness. 
Lat. — Blanda patrum segues facit indulgentia natos. 

126. A proud heart in a poor briest has mickle * do- 
lour to u dree. 

Because their pride will not give them leave to condescend 
to mean and low shifts to supply their wants. 

127. A black shoe makes a * biythe heart. 

When a man's shoe is blackened and bedawb'd with indus- 
try, it will procure him such a supply as will make him chearful. 

128. A biythe heart makes a bloomy visage. 



Empty. P Bashful. 1 Denver. r Nimble. * Lazy. 
1 Sorrow. » Suffer. v Glad. 



14 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

A man's inward chearfulness is often shewed by his counte- 
nance. And on the contrary, 

Tristitia corrugat vultum. 

129. An old mason will make a good barrow-man. 
Spoken by those who are giving us advice in those things 

in which they have been conversant when young; intimating, 
that they must needs know what belongs to them. 

130. An unhappy man's cart is w eith to x tumble. 
Spoken of an unfortunate man, when misfortunes follow him. 

131. An old dog bites sore. 

Spoken to discourage one from provoking a man of ad- 
vane'd years ; for though he is not able to tugg, or wrestle, 
yet he will give a desperate blow. 

132. A travelled man has leave to lie. 

Travellers are often supposed to lie, either because some 
of them do so, or because they tell us things which we never 
saw, which makes ns suspect them. 

Eng. — Old men and travellers lie by authority. 

133. As good y ha'd as draw. 

Better keep what I have, than give it out of my hand, and 
have difficulty to get it again. 

Eng. — Brag is a good dog, but hold fast is a better. 

134. An ill won penny will cast down a pound. 
Because cheating and overreaching ruins a man's credit, 

and so mars his interest; to which add a secret curse of God, 
who casts away the subslance of the wicked. 

135. An ill cook should have a good cleaver. 

He that is not dextrous at his work, should have good tools. 

136. At open doors dogs come z benn. 

And so will thieves and impertinent persons ; an argument 
to keep the doors shut at night. 

137. A word before is worth two behind. 

A word spoken in season, how good is it, saith Solomon. 

138. All fellows, jock and the laird. 

Spoken when unworthy persons intrude themsel ves into the 
company of their betters. 

Eng. — Hail fellow well met. 
Item. — All fellows at football. 

139. All the speed is in the spurs. 

Spoken when a man rides a lazy horse, or when a man 
must ride hard or lose his business. 

w Easy. * Overturn. >* Hold. 
z Into the inward part of the house. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 15 

140. As mickle up with, as mickle down with. 
Spoken when a man has got a quick advancement, and as 

sudden depression. 

Eng. — The highest tree, the greatest fall. 

Lat. — Ut lapsu graviore ruanl, tolluntur in allum. 

141. As the carle riches, he wratches. 

Many men are found to grow the more niggardly as their 
wealth encrease, which has given occasion to many proverbs. 
Eng. — The more you heap, the worse you cheap. 
Lat. — Crescitamor nummi quantum ipsa pecunia crescit. 
Item.— Creverunt opes, & opum furiosa cupido, 
Et quum possideas plurima, plura cupis. 

142. An old sack craves mickle clouting,-. 

Spoken when an old utensil goes often out of order, and 
wants repairing. 

143. An old sack is ay a skailing. 

Spoken of old men who cannot keep their water long. 

144. A fair fire makes a b room c slett. 
Because it makes people sit at a distance. 

145. A man may d speer the gate to Rome. 

Spoken to those, who being bid to go an errand, excuse 
themselves, because they know not the way. 

146. A man has no more goods than he gets good of. 
What a roan enjoys of his substance is really his, the rest 

he has only the keeping of. 

Eng. — The gown is her's that wears it : and the world his 
that enjoys it. 

Lat. — Nullus argenti color est — Nisi temperato splen- 
deat asa. 

147. A fool may give a wise man counsel by a time. 
An apology of those who offer their advice to them, who 

may be supposed to excel them in parts and sense. 
Lat. — Saepe etiam olitor verba opporluna loquulus. 

148. A e bleat cat makes a proud mouse. 

When parents and masters are too mihl and easy, it makes 
their children and servants too saucy and impertinent. 

149. A man is well or wo as he thinks himself so. 

A contented mind will sweeten every condition, and a re- 
pining heart will produce the contrary effects. 

150. A f shorM tree stands long. 

• Losing what is put in it. b Large. c Fireside. d Ask, 
« Bashful f Threatened. 

c « 



16 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken when people threaten us, who we believe dare not 
execute their ihrealenings. 

Eng. — Threatened folks live long. 

151. A man may spit in his hand and do full ill. 
When a man is about lo give a blow he will spit in his 

hand, that be may hold the cudgel the faster : meaning that 
a man may make good offers to act stoutly, whose heart may 
yet misgive him alter all. 

152. A horse with four feet may § snapper, by a time. 
An excuse for those who inadvertently misplace their words. 

153. All things h wytes that no well fares. 

A man that miscarries in his business will lay the blame on 
any thing, rather than take it to himself. 

Lat. — Omnes, quibus res sunt minus secundas, magis sunt 
saspiciosi. 

154. All things thrive at thrice. 

An encouragement to those who have miscarried in their 
attempts, once, and again, to try the third time. They will 
say the third's a charm, or there are three things of all things. 

155. A brain must ' creep ere it gang. 

An excuse for them who do not so well at first, as it is hoped 
they will do afterwards. 

Eng. — No man is a crafts master the first day. 
Item. — You must spoil before you spin. 

156. As long as you serve the tod k you must bear up 
his tail. 

When you have engaged in any man's service you must 
not think yourself too good for any thing he employs you in. 
Lat. — Ut homo est, ita morem geras. 

157. A man may woo where his will, but wed where 
his wife is. 

Spoken of a man who having courted many mistresses, has 
at last married to his disadvantage. Taken from the strict 
destiny believed lo be in marriage. 

158. A * mein pot never m play'd even. 

Projects and properties in which many have a share (by the 
backwardness of some, and the ill nature of others) seldom 
come to a good account. 

Eng. — There is falshood in fellowship. 

159. A foul foot makes a full n weime. 



S Stumble. h Blames. » Go. k Fox. ] In which 
many have a share. m BoyPd. n Belly. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 17 

Industry "will be sure of a maintenance. A man that care- 
fully goes about his business will have foul feel. 

160. A full belly makes a stiff back. 

Good keeping will make a man fit for labour. There is a 
return to this but it is smutty. 

161. A hearty hand to give a hungry ° meltith. 
An ironical ridicule upon a niggardly dispenser. 

162. A p yule feast may be quit at •* Pasch. 

A good office, done at one time, may be requit at another. 

163. A tulying dog comes halting home. 

A man given to quarrels will often come off with maims 
and hurts. 

Eng. — Brabling dogs have sore ears. 

164. A houndless hunter, and agunless gunner see ay 
game enough. 

Spoken to those who tell what a fine shot they could have 
had ; but that they wanted a gun. 

165. A Scottish man is wise behind the hand. 
Without doubt the warm temper of that nation makes them 

easily receive the first impression ; especially if gilded over by 
men of eloquence, cunning, and artifice ; and seem to offer a 
present profit. Witness their giving up the king of New- 
castle, and consenting to the terms of the union. Hence a 
great foreigner gives them this character, Scoti, quicquid 
volunt valde volunt. 

Lat. — Sero sapiunt phryges. 

A shiting sow is ay doing. 

A satyrical reproof to those who pretend that they have 
been busy, when they have done but little work. 
167. An old r tout in a new horn. 

Spoken when we hear, (perhaps in other words) what we 
have heard before. 
68. An inch of a nag is worth a span of an s aver. 

A little man, if smart and stout, is much preferable to an 
unwieldy lubber, though much bigger. 

The English have many proverbs to this purpose. As, 

Eng. — A piece of a kid's Worth two of a cat. 

Item. — A leg of a lark is worth the whole body of a kite. 

Lat. — Inest sua gratia parvis. 
169. A good word Ls as soon said as an ill. 



Meal of meat. P Christmas. 1 Easter. r Blast, 

8 Work-horse. 
c 3 



18 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken lo dissuade men from passionate words, which may 
mar their business ; whereas mild words may do better. 
Eng. — Good words cost nothing. 

170. A drunken wife will get the drunken penny, but 
a drudge will get a l dark. 

They that are free and liberal will have to spend, when the 
saving and penurious will get hard labour. They have ano- 
ther proverb of a drunken woman, intimating tbat she may be 
easily debauched, but I shall not trouble the reader with it. 
it answers the Latin ; 

Quid enim Venus ebria curat, &c. 

171. An even hand to cast a louse in the fire. 

A ridicule upon them that pretend to hit a mark well, or 
carry a dish evenly. 

172. A new pair of u breeks will soon draw down an 
old doublet. 

Spoken when an old man marries a young womau who will 
prove o'er strong meat for his weak stomach : They will say 
also, He'll play her a supple trick. 

173. A fool of a v nurrish makes a wise child. 

An excuse for nurses nonsensical baubling to their children. 
Eng. — The nurses tongues are privileged to talk. 

174. A hungry man is an angry man. 
Eng. — Hungry bellies have no ears. 

jLat. — TJbi de pastu agitur non atlenditur reclss rationi. 

175. A w findsily bairn gars his x dady be haug'd. 

It is hard to make this good sense ; but it is spoken to 
children when they say tbat they found a thing which we sus- 
pect they pick'd. 

176. A green yule makes a fat church-yard. 

This, and a great many proverbial observations, upon the 
seasons of .the year, are groundless, superstitious, and vain. 

177. As y fain as fool of a fair day. 

Spoken to our children when they ask leave to go to a fair, 
as if fools onlv were fond of going thither. 

178. A z wie mouse will creep under a mickle corn-stack. 
An apology for a little woman's marriage to a big man. 

179. A good goose, but site has an ill a gansel. 
Spoken when one has done a good turn, and by their after 

behaviour spoil the grace of it. 

» Day's-work. u Breeches. v Nurse. w Apt to be finding. 
* Father. Papa. J Glad. * Little. 2 Gabble. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 19 

180. A hardy man to draw a sword to a h haggish. 
An ironical ridicule upon abraggadochio. 

181. An ill lesson is a erth to learn. 
Lat. — Pravi docilis Romana juventus. 

182. A good wife and health is a man's best wealth. 
Add but a good conscience, and a competent estate, and the 

composition is compleat. 

183. A wie house well fill'd, a wie bit land well 
till'd, and a wie wife well will'd, will make a hap- 
py man. 

The two first is for the sake of the last, but apply'd to any 
thing good in kind, though little in quantity. 

184. A willing mind makes a light foot. 
Eng. — Nothing impossible to a willing mind. 

185. A proud heart and a poor purse are ill met. 
A true proverb ! and the worst is, they meet often. 

186. As b sub as sive and riddle that grew both in one 
wood. 

Spoken to them who groundlessly pretend kindred to great 
persons. 

187. A bit c butt, and bit d bend, make a e moy maiden 
at the bore end. 

A jocose reflection upon young maids when they eat almost 
nothing at dinner ; intimating that if they had not eaten a little 
in the pantry or kitchen, they would eat belter at the table. 

188. At f fasten e'en night the maiden was^fow. 
She said she would fast all h Lentron through. 
Spoken when people in plenty commend temperance. 
Somnum plebis laudaut saturi altilibus. 

189. A ' tugherless dame sits long at k hame. 
A maid without a portion will be long unmarried. 
Lat. — Veniun! a dote sagillae. 

190. A maiden with many woors ofteu chuses the 
worst. 

Often true literally, but apply'd to those, who having many 
things in their proffer, chuse the worst. 

191. Ale sellers should not be tale tellers. 

Public house-keepers should not blaze abroad what their 

b A pudding made in the great gut of a sheep. a Easy. 

b Akin. c In the upper part of the house. d In the lower 
part. e Modest. f Shrove -Tuesday, e Full. h -Lent time. 
1 Without a portion, k Home. 



20 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

guests may say, or do, in their houses, for that, when disc*, 
vered, will make them lose their customers. 

192. All ills are good a' frist. 

The longer a mischief is a coining, the better; apply'dto 
those who either threaten, or promise something hereafter ; 
the one we fear not, and the other we value not. 

193. AH is yours from the door down. 

A jest upon those who pretend that such and such things in 
the house is theirs. As if you would say all the household 
goods without the doors are yours. 

194. A bow o'er bent will weaken. 

Eng. — All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 
Lat. — Olia corpus alant, animus quoque pascitur illis. 
Immodicus, contra, carpit utrumque labor. 
Item. — Quod caret allerna requie durabile non est. 

195. A kiss, and a drink of water is a m werch "disjune. 
An answer of a girl when she is asked a kiss. 

196. A ° crooning cow, a crowing hen, and a whistling 
maid boded never luck to a house. 

The two first are reckoned ominous, but the reflection is on 
the third, in whom whistling is unbecoming. 

197. A siiiy man will be sleety dealt with. 
Intimating that cunning rogues will be apt to impose upon 

and make a property of a simple man. 

Eng. — He that makes himself a sheep, shall be eaten by the 
wolf. 

Lat. — Veterem ferendo injuriam invitus novam. 

Item. — Post folia cadunt & arbores. 

198. All things angers you, and the cat breaks your 
heart. 

Spoken to those who are troubled for little or nothing. 

199. A good tale is no the worse to be twice told. 
An apology for those that say grace twice, unawares. 

200. All the clothes on your back was once in clues. 
A sensless rhyme to them that ask you what news. 

201. A belly-full is a belly-full if it were but of p bear 
i coff. 

If a man gets his satisfaction, though but of coarse meat, 
he has no reason to complain. 



I A. trust. m Insipid. n Refreshment. ° Bellowing 
like a bull. P Barley. 1 Chaff. 




EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 21 

202. A sheaf of a r stook is enough. 

An answer to those who propose to match twice into the 
same family : and hits the patter if the first match was not very 
fortunate. 

203. As 8 wight as a Webster's westcoat, that every 
morning takes a thief by the neck. 

The Scots have but an ill opinion of weavers honesty. Ap* 
ply'd to those who brag of their stoutness. 

204. As the websters stealing through the world. 
Stealing in this proverb has a double signification, for some- 
times it signifies to go quietly, unperceived: thus a man is 
said to steal away, to steal out of the room, that is to go off 
softly and unperceiv'd. 

205. A mare's shoe, and a horse shoe are both alike. 
The same that the English say, but not so good — 
What's sauce for a goose is sauce for a gander. 

206. A man may bind a sack, before it be full. 

A man may be satisfied with what he has got, though short 
of what he desired, or expected. 

207. A l thraward question should athraward answer. 
Spoken to him that asks an impertinent, unreasonable, or 

ensnaring question, that cannot easily or safely be answered. 

208. A man may lose his own for lack of craving. 
Lat. — Optima nomina, non appellando, fiunt mala. 

209. An old knave is no bairn. 

A reflection upon cunning old companions, who are 
throughly versed in cheating and deceit. 
Eng. — An old fox need learn no tricks. 

210. An inch of a miss is as good as a spaw. 
Spoken when a thing was near the effecting, and yet did 

not hit. 

211. A short grace is meet for hungry folk. 
Eng. — Sharp stomachs make short devotions. 

212. As merry as the maltman. 

213. As well as the wife that brew'd it. 

Both these signify that a man was drunk ; for the maltman 
drinks with his customers, and the publick house -keeper is 
supposed to lake a share of what is going. 

214. A slothful hand makes a sober fortune. 

The reverse of what Solomon says, The hand of the.diligent 
maketh rich. 



An artificial heap of twelve sheaves. s Stout. l Perverse. 



22 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

215. A u vaunterand a lyar are near akin. 

They are much the same ; for when a man once lakes a hu- 
mour of boasting of what he has done or seen, he will not stop 
at the most palpable lies. 

216. A great v ruser was never a good rider. 

A man that boasts much, seldom performs well ; this is ap- 
ply'd commonly to those who boast of their performances in 
a way not proper to be spoken. 

Lat. — In pace leones, in praeliocervi. 

217. A scabbed horse is good enough for a scal'd 
squire. 

Mean things become mean people. 
Lat. — Parvum parva decent. 

218. A man's mind is a w mirk x mirrour. 

Hard to pry into a man's thoughts, or know his designs. 
210. As sore feights wrens as cranes. 

Little people (if rightly match'd) will fight as bitterly and 
eagerly as those who are stronger or bigger. 

220. A good year will not make him, and an ill year 
will not break him. 

Spoken of slothful, idle, lazy fellows, who live from hand 
to mouth ; and are equally poor all years. 
Eng. — A beggar will never be a bankrupt. 

221. A man was once hanged for leaving his drink.' 
It took its rise from the villain that assassinated the 

Prince of Orange. Spoken when men proffer to go away he- 
fore their drink be out. 

222. All the truth should not be told. 

Because it may be ill-natured, uncharitable, or unseason- 
able. 

223. All I got by him I may put in my eye, and see 
nothing the worse for it. 

Intimating that I got nothing by him. 

224. As the sow fills the draff sovvres. 

When peoples stomachs begin to fill, their meal insensibly 
loses its relish ; whereas on the contrary, 
Hunger is good sauce. 

225. A nag with a weime, and a mare with nane. 

226. A mare with a horse's belly, and a horse with a 
mare's. 



"Boaster. v Praiser, boaster, commender of himself. 

Dark, x Looking-glass. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 23 

The nonsensical jargon of conceited jockeys is without 
ground or reason. 

227. A black man is a jewel in a fair woman's eye. 
Only a piece of flattery to a man who lias not the advantage 

of a fair complexion 

228. A man may love the kirk well enough, and not 
ride on the > rig-gen of it. 

A man may love a tiling, or person, very well, and yet not 
shew too much fondnes*-. 

229. A z tale-teller is worse than a thief. 

The one steals my goods, but the other my good name, and 
sometimes my peace and quiet ; but it is often used as a face- 
tious answer of children when their companions bid themtell 
a tale 

230. A a cumbersome cur is hated in company. 

Spoken to an impertinent fellow, when he begins to he 
quarrel some and breed disturbance. 

231. Almost a mare's as great as a mountain. 
Spok en when people tell us that they have almost done sucli 

a thing j shewing the uncertain signification of that word. 
Eug. — Almost was never hanged. 
l te m. — Almost and very nigh save many a lye. 

232. A man may love a b haggish that wo'd not have 
the bag c bladed in his teeth. 

A man may say, or do, a thing in his airs, and humour, who 
would not be told of it again. 

233. An ill wife, and a new lighted candle, are the 
better to have their heads held down. 

But both must be done with care, caution, and discre- 
tion, otherwise you may put the candle out, and make the 
wife worse. They will say also, if a man complain of his 
wife's stubbornness, make a new lighted caudle of her. 

234. A leasure, as lairds dies. 

Eng. — Softly and fair, as lawyers go to heaven. 

235. A long gathered datum is soon run out. 
Spoken to old batchelors, when they are new married. 

236. As lo?ig as a dog would be bound with a blood 
puddirg. 

That is a short while, for he would soon eat his binding. 

J The top of the Foof. z A tale-bearer. a Troublesome, 
ill-natured. b A pudding made in the great gat of a sheep. 

Thrown cross his chaps. 



24 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

237. A lass is a lad's leavings. 

A senseless return of a girl, to them that call her lass, and 
not by her name. 

238. A sorrowful heart is ay dry. 

Spoken when widows or widowers drink liberally, alledging 
it was to quench their sorrow. 

Money we want and cannot borrow ; 

Yet drink we must to d slocken sorrow. 
Says the ingenious author of Lintou lines. 

239. As you are stout be merciful. 

Spokenina taunting manner to them tli at threaten us, whom 
we are not afraid of. 

Lat. — Satis est protrasse Leoni. 

240. A man may be kind and give little of his geer. 
Viz. By civil salutations, kindly expressions, speak me well 

behind ones back, &c. 

241. All your debtors convey you to the e widdy. 
Spoken facetiously, when a man craves what you have no 

mind to pay, nor he to exact. 

242. A given game was never won. 

Spoken when one desires nsto give up our game as desperate. 

243. A hungry man's meat is long a making ready. 
Or at least seems so, because of his impatience. 

244. A fan- maiden f togherless will get more sweet- 
hearts than husbands. 

Her beauty will get her sweethearts; but they say a tog- 
herless dame sits long at home. 

245. As long lasts the hole as the * heal leather. 
Spoken to them that quarrel with a hole in your coat or 

shoe : often apply'd otherways. 

246. A short nebbed sparrow might have picked dirt 
at his arse. 

Signifying that such an one was in a terrible fright. Or, 
as they say, Dirtflay'd. 

247. A taking man will never want, 
Let the world be never so scant. 

A reproof to boys, or children when they take their meat, 
before it be given them. 

248. A kindly h aver was never a good nag. 

Those- who are naturally of a low, mean mind, will make 
but a sorry figure in a higher station. 

* Quench. « Gallows. f Without a portion. * Whole. 
* Work-horse. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 25 

Eug. — A carrion kite will never make a good hawk. 

Item. — Jack will never be a gentleman. 

Lat. — Qui semel scurra nunquam paterfamilias. 

249. A a fow heart lied never. 

A man in his cups will tell his mind. 
Lat. — In vino Veritas. 

250. A fool when he has spoken has done all. 

i That is, has made a full discovery of his weakness, which 
his silence would have conceal'd. 

251. A good yeoman makes a good woman. 

As if a good husband would make a good wife; butl never 
saw this effected ; many a good woman have I known to have 
reclaimed a bad mau, but never a good man to have reclaimed 
a bad woman : either they must have more enticing charms, or 
more perverse humours. 

252. A beltless bairn cannot lie. 

I have not heard this used, but it is in the old Scotch Collec- 
tion : I suppose it means a child before it be so old as to wear 
belled truese, will not have the cunning to invent a lie. 
"253. A hired horse b tired never. 

Because the rider will so ply the spurs thai he must go on. 
The English have a saying much like this. 

Never spare a livery, a hackney, nor a whore; for you will 
get no thanks for it. 

254. A full sack will take a clout on the side. 

A man may make a shift to eat a little after he has din'd : I 
have heard it otherways apply'd. 

255. All cracks, all bears. 

Spoken against bullies who keep a great hectoring and Mas- 
tering; yet, when put to it, lamely pocket an affront. 

256. A bawdy father makes a begging c bairn-time. 
Because he will squander, what should support and provide 

for them, among his whores. 

Eng. — Whoring and bawdry end in beggary. 
257- As mickle thanks as if you (I) did. 

Spoken when we excuse ourselves from receiving what is* 
proffered, or when weslightit. 
258. All you run you win. 

Taken from playingat bowls ; apply'd to endeavours about 
a project that seems not feasible, where what you can make 
is clear grain. 



Fall, drunk. b Jaded. « Posterity, 

D 



26 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

259. A dog will not d yowl, if you strike him with a 
bone. 

People will bear easily some rough usage, nay even blows, 
if they see their advantage in it. 

260. An apple is better given than eaten by a time. 
A man may get more favour by giving a thing, than using it. 

261. Any thing is better than the e yell kail. 
An apology for having little, or bad, flesh meat. 

262. A bonny f grice makes an ugly old sow. 
Spoken facetiously to him that tellswhat aline child he was. 
Eng.— Fair in the cradle, and foul in the saddle. 

263. After you is good manners. 

Spoken when our betters offer to serve ns first. 

264. A man cannot bear all his kin on his back. 
Spoken when we are upbraided with some bad kinsman. 

265. A er crooked man should sow beans, and a h woad 
man pease. 

The one agrees to be thick sown, and the oilier thin. 

266. All gou'd, or all dirt. 

Spoken to them who are excessive both in their fondness 
and aversion. 

Eng. — All honey, or all turd. 

267. As long as the bird sings before candle-mass so 
long she greets after. 

Intimating that a good January betokens a bad spring. 

268. An ill turn is soon done. 
Lat. — Compendiaria res improbitas. 
Item. — Nullus euiin magni sceleris labor. 

269. A seven years maiden is ay at the slight. 

An answer to a maiden who says she will not marry these 
seven years, upon supposition that a fair offer would soon 
make her break that resolution. 

270. A long tongue has a shorthand. 

They who are lavish in their promises, are often short iu 
their performance. 

271. A peck of \l arch dust and a shower in May, 
Makes the corn green, and the fields gay. 

Eng. — A peck of March dust, is worth a king's ransom. 



d Howl. c Yell is properly what gives no milk, here it 
signifies boil'd without meat, or having no butter. f Pig. 

e Lame. h Mad. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 27 

272. A shower in July when the corn begins to fill, 

Is worth a plough of oxen, and all belongs theretill. 
These observations upon weather and seasons are very silk. 

273. A horn spoon holds no poison. 

Tliey who cannot procure better spoons are not worth poi- 
soning-. 

Lat. — Nulla aconita bibuntur fictilibus.. 

274. An honest man is soon bound ; and you cannot 
bind a knave. 

Because he will have tricks and fetches, that will soon 
elude all your securities. 

Lat. Adde mille catenas 

Eftugiet tamen sceleratus haec vincula proteus. 

275. An egg is a mouthful of meat and a townful of 
shame. 

That is if it be slol'n, intimating that a little thing pick'd 
will procure a great disgrace. 

276. A house with a i reek, and a wife with a k reerd, 
will soon make a man run to the door. 

No man will willingly bear »villi a smoky house or a. eooU 
ing wife, but escape them as soon as he can. 

277. A 1 fow heart is ay kind. 

Spoken when a man in his cups shews impertinent fondness. 

278. A turn well done is twice done. 

Because done to purpose ; for when it is slightly done it 
will soon require to be done anew. 

279. A greedy eye had never a full m weime. 
That is, such are never satisfied. 

280. After a sort, as Costlet serv'd the king. 

One Captain Costlet boasting much of his loyally, was asked 
bow he serv'd the king, when he was a captain in Cromwell's 
army; answered, After a sort. Spoken when a thing is done 
slightly. 

281. Arse give me leave. 

Spoken to lazy people who are loth to rise, as if they should 
first ask leave of their weighty backside. 

282. Atyale and pasch, and high times. 

That is, such a thing must be done, worn, or expended 
only upon extraordinary occasions. 



'Smoke. k A scolding noise. J Drunk. m BelJr. 
d2 



28 SCOTTISH PROVEP.BS 

Spoken when a widow, or a widower, marries a perron In- 
ferior to their former match. 
5284. As long as 3011 stand yon do not stay. 

It is enough to make it appear that you did not stay, if yen 
can say you never sale down; an argument to make our 
friend, who is in haste, lo stand and chat awhile. 

285. Abundance of law breaks no law. 

An argument rather to do more than the law requires, ra- 
ther than leave any thing undone that it does. 
Eng. — Take heed is good read. 
Item. — Take good heed will surely speed. 
Lat. — Abundantia juris non nocet. 

286. A leakie house and a scolding wife are two bad 
companions. 

I remember Solomon compares oftener than once. 

287. A duck cannot dable ay in n yee hole. 
An argument for variety, often ill applied. 

268. A nice wife, and a back door, will soon make a 
rich man poor. 
Tin* wife will spend, and the servants purloyn. - 

289. A man of straw is worth a woman of gold. 

It seems that the men contrived these proverbs, they run so 
much in their favours. 

290. A black hen lays a white egg. 

And so may a black woman have a fair child. 

291. Alike every day makes a clout on Sunday. 

A reprimand to them who wear their best suit every day, 
which will soon make them improper to be worn on Sunday. 

292. As good be hang'd for an old sheep as a young 
lamb. 

This proverb seems to have an ill aspect; but it is for the 
most part used at a game at tables, when I venture high in or- 
der to recover my game which otherwise would be lost, and 
eitactly answers lo the English, Over shoes, over boots. 

293. As true as Biglam's cat crew, and the cock 
rocked the cradle. 

Spoken when we hear one call that true that we know to be 
a lye. 

294. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 
Lat. —Amicus certns in re incerta cernitur. 

295. An error in the first concoction cannot be recti- 
fied in the second. 

* One. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 29 

When a thing is wrong in its primitive design, and con- 
trivance, it is hardly after with any care to be amended. 

296. A good shape in the b sheer's mouth. 

Taken from taylors cutting of cloaths, spoken when we are 
going about some new project or design. 

297. All is good that God sends. 

An answer to them that think what they have given us, or 
what we have gotten not good enough. 

298. A sleer would ay have a follower. 

Spoken when young girls flee from young men, as if it were 
on purpose that they should follow them, as Virgil says, 
Malo me Galatea petit, lasciva puella, 
Et fugit ad salices, & se cupit aute vederi. 

299. All things c sturts you, no wonder you be old like. 
Spoken disdainfully to them who make a bustle about the 

things that they have little to do with. 

300. A hard beginning is a good beginning. 

Spoken to hearten those who meet with difficulties at their 
first setting out. 

301. A great cry and little wool quoth the deel when 
he clip'd the swine. 

Spoken of great pretences and small performances- 

Eng. — Noise about nothing. 

Item. — Much bruit, and little fruit. 

Lat. — Parluriunt montes naseetur ridiculus mtis. 

302. A good face needs no band, and an ill one de- 
serves none. 

What is of itself handsome needs no adorning, and orna- 
ment is thrown away upon what is naturally ugly. 

303. A wonder lasts but nine days in a town. 
People will make a great deal of noise about any new 

emergent, and it will be the talk of every body for a few days, 
and then quite forgotten. 

304. A ragged colt may prove a good horse. 

And so may an untoward slovenly boy prove a decent and 
useful man. 

305. A misty morning may prove a good day. 
Things may prove a little confused and backward in the be- 
ginning, which with care and industry may come to good ef- 
fect. 

Eng. — Cloudy mornings may turn to clear evenings. 



b Scissors. c Troubles. 



30 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Item. — After clouds clear weather. 

Lat. — Post nubila Phoebus. 

Item. — Flebileprincipium inelicr fortuna seqn&tur. 

306. After meat mustard. 

Spoken when a thing is brought ia after the proper time. 
Lat. — Post helium auxilium. 

307. As long Ji\ es the merry man as the sad, and a 
night longer. 

A chearful temper is no enemy to health and long life, 
but rather a friend. 

308. All is well that ends well. 

Spoken with diffidence, that what is now in hand will no 
end well. 

Lat. — Finis coronal opus 

309. A man is not so soon heal'd as hurt. 
Misfortunes come suddenly, but their remedies by more 

slow degrees 

Eng. — One may sooner fall than rise. 

Lat. — Lahitur exiguo quod partum est tempore longo. 

310. A groaning wife and a grunting horse never 
feal'd their master. 

It is observ'd that tender and sicklj wives commonly Hve 
long, and a horse that grunts under a man proves often very 
durable. 

31 1. A tumbling stone never gathers ' fog. 

From the Latin, Saxum vol a turn non obducitur musco. A 
man that often removes seldom grows rich. 

312. Any thing for a quiet life. 

That is, we will lake any thing rather than make a bustle. 

313. All comparisons are odious. 

Because they can hardly be made without some disparage- 
ment to one of the parties. 

314. A spur in the head is worth two in the heel. 

A man when drunk rides hard ; because not being able to 
sit straight, his heels stick in his horse's side. 

315. A word to a wise man. 
Lat. — Verbum sapienti sat est. 

316. A man cannot wive and thrive in a year. 

For courting, marriage, and their appurtenance, occasions 
an expence that one year cannot retrieve. 

317. As the fool thinks the bell clinks. 



• Moss. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 31 

Lat.— Quod valde volumus facile credimus. 

318. A tooin pantry makes a thriftless good wife. 

A poor woman cannot make great industry, when she 
wants materials to work with. 

Eng. — Bare walls make a giddy housewife. 

Lat. — Hand facile emergunl quorum virtutibusobstat 

Res august i doini. 

319. A secret fo gives a sudden blow. 
Because unseen and unprovided against, 
Lat. — Magis nocenl insidia? qua? latent. 

320. A good beginning makes a good ending. 
Fng. — G^od to begin well, better to end well. 

321. A gifted horse should not be look'd in the mouth. 
I have seen a munckish rhyme to this purpose. 

Si quis del mannos tie qiiaire in denlibus annos. 

322. A dear ship stays long in the harbour. 
Apply d often In nice maids. 

323. A liar should have a good memory. 
Lest he lei I the same lye different ways. 
Lat. — Opnrlat mendacem esse memorera. 

324. An ill life makes an ill end. 
Lat — Qualis i ila finis ita 

325. A mulled cat was never a good hunter. 
Spoken to them that set about work with their gloves on. 

326. An ill servant never proved a good master. 
Lat. — Male imperatqui parere nescit. 

327. A light purse makes a heavy heart. 

328. A man has no worse friends than those he brings 
with him. 

For if they disparage him they are believed, as being sup- 
posed to know him. Spoken also when they whom we thought 
to have been our friends, in such a case, were against our in- 
terest. 

Eng. — You are good to help a lame dog o'er a stile. 

329. A whore, in a fine dress, is like a dirty house 
with a clean door. 

A whore may be handsome outwardly; but vile and ugly 
in the inside. As Oldham well describes her, 
Within a gawdy case, a nesty soul, 
Like turd of quality in gild close-stool. 

330. After dinner sit a while : 
After supper walk a mile. 

The first I approve of, the other is ridiculous, 



32 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

331. A wet May and a windy, makes a full barn yerd 
and a c finely. 

Like the rest of the proverbs about season and weather. 

332. A horse broken and a wife to break. 

1 do not know what reason there may be for the choice. 
The breaking of a horse may break a man's neck ; true! but 
may not the breaking of a wife break his heart? one thing I 
am sure of, lhal a skittish, furious young horse may be much 
sooner, and with greater ease, made tractable, and useful, 
than a foolish, froward, saucy wife, made good, virtuous, and 
peaceable. 

332. A house made and a wife to make. 

That is even as she proves, lor some women are so perverse 
and foolish, that you may build Versailes before you can make 
thorn good. 

333. All the months in the year causes a fair Februar. 

334. A young saint may prove an old devil. 

It were a thousand pities he should ; this is a devilish pro- 
verb, and often as devilishly apply'd. 

335. As the market goes wares must sell. 

336. April showers make May flowers. 

337. As the day lengthens the cold strengthens. 

It is often found that February and March are mueh more 
cold and piercing than December or January. 

338. An ounce of good fortune is worth a pound of 
fore- cast. 

Lat. — Gulta fortuna pras dolio sapientire. 

339. After a delay comes a let. 

When people put off a business for some time, they after- 
ward quite forget it. 

340. An eating horse never d funnied. 

Intimating that people will not catch cold while they are 
eating. 

341. After cheese come nothing. 
As being always the last dish. 

342. A cram'd belly makes a crazy corps. ~ 
Eng. — A man may dig his grave with his teeth, v 
Item. — Much meat, much maladies. 

Lat. — Plures necat gula quam gladius. 

343. An ill bush is better than no e berl. 



f Solid, full, substantial. «• Founder'd. e Shelter. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 33 

844. A toom purse makes a 'thrawn face. 

345. A z bald moon quoth h Benny Cask, another 
pint quoth h Lesley. 

Spoken when people encourage themselves lo slay a little 
longer in the ale-house, beeause they have moon-light. 

346. A man gets little thanks for losing his own. 

If a man do not exact those perquisites that he has" a title 
to, people will think them not duo. 

347. A laughing fae'd lad makes a l lither servant. 
It is supposed such are loo full of roguery to be diligent. 

348. An inch breaks no squares. 

A little difference ought uot to occasion any contests among 
good neighbours. 

349. An ill tongue may do much. 

Spoken when people name the thing that would disappoint 
you ; often said at game in merriment. 

350. As long as I live I'll fart at my own fire- side. 
That is, I will not give up my house and estate to my son. 

351. All's i'the dirt. 

Spoken when they whom we have taken pains lo please lake 
pet, because disappointed in some small matter. 
Eng. — All the fat is in the Gre. 

352. A full purse never wanted a friend. 
An empty one seldom finds one. 

353. A wife knows enough, who know the good man's 
k breeks from ' weilycoat. 

This is an old proverb, and a good one, if rightly under- 
stood: that is, she is a good wife who knows the true measure 
of the husband's authority, and her obedience. 

354. After company welcome m thrump'ry. 

Spoken hy ihem who are not well pleas'd that you took not 
notice of them as soon as other company. Or when people 
come to visit us that we care not for. 

355. A n denk maiden makes a dirty wife. 

It is very often found that women who go verj' neat and 
dress finely when the}' are maidens, lurn very sluttish and 
careless of their dress when they are married. 
356- Any thing for you about an honest man's house 
but a day's work. 

f Wrinkles. Bright. h The titles of two Scottish lairds. 
'Careless, faint, lazy. k Breeches. i Petticoat. m Trash, 
refuse. ■ Neat, nice, finely dress'd. 



34 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

357. A careless parting, between the old mare and 
the broken carr. 

Spoken when a husband or wife dies who did not love one 
another, as if the surviving party was not sorry for the loss. 
They will say, on such occasions, 

358. It is not a death but ° lousance. 

That is, rather a recovery of freedom from bondage. 

359. As false as Waghorn, and he was nineteen-times 
falser than the dee'l. 

360. A tale never loses in the telling. 

The fame* or report of a matter of fact, good or ill, con- 
naonly receives an addition as it goes from hand to hand. 
Lat. — Qui demagnis majora loquuntur. 
Item. — Mobililate viget, viresque aquirit eundo, viz.fama. 

361. A p prin a day is a groat a year. 

Spoken when we lift a pin: though at 96 a penny the cal- 
culation is somewhat short. 

B. 

1. Better be i sansie, r as soon up. 

That is, better good fortune, than great industry. 

2. Better late thrive, as never do well. 
Liat. — Praestat sero sapere, quam nunquam. 
Hem. — Nunquam sera est, ad bonos mores, via. 

3. Better hold by a hair, as draw by a tedder. 
Belter have a ihing in present possession, than, have nerer 

so good a title to it. 

4. Burn'd bairn fire dreads. 

He that has been in danger from any thing, or in any place, 
will be more cautious how he engages with any of these after- 
wards. 

Eng. — A scalded cat fears cold water. 
Lat. — Piscator ictus sapit. 

Et mea cymba semel, vasta. percussa procelli 
Ilium, quo laesaest, horret adire locum. 

5. Better half egg, astoom s doup. 
Eng. — Half a loaf is better than no bread. 
Item. — Better one eye, than quite blind. 
Lat. — Princeps luscus inter caecos. 

° A freedom from bondage. P A pin. 3 Lucky, happy. 
r As in Scotch in comparison answers to than in English. 
s Bottom. 



EXPLAJNED IN ENGLISH. 35 

6. Better hold with the hound, as run with the hare. 
Better te able to grapple with a difficulty, than to Lave a 

probability to escape it. 

7. Better finger oil' as ay wagging. 

Better put an end to a troublesome business, than to be 
always vex'd with it. 

Eng. — Better pass a danger once, thau be always in fear. 

8. l Bourd not with u Bawty, lest he bite you. 

Do not jest too familiarly with your superiors, lest you pro- 
roke them to make you a surlish return. 

Eng. — Good to be familiar, but not too bold. 

9. Bite not my x bannock. 

That is, do not intrude upon my interest or properly, which 
bo man will willingly part with. 

Eng. — Two wives in a house, two cats with a mouse, two 
dogs with a bone, will never agree in one. 

Lat. — Esurionli leoni prasdam ne exculpas. 

10. Better give the slight than get it. 

Spoken by a maid, when she is courted by one whom she 
believes not to be in earnest. In that case she will say, I care 
as little for you, as you do for me, better give the slight as 
get it : that is, better I refuse you now, than you reject me 
afterwards. 

11. Better wait on the cooks as the a leaches. 

Better have patience till your meat be ready, than, by eat- 
ing it raw, or ill dress'd, to throw yourself into diseases. 

12. Better the head of the yeomanry, as the arse of 

the gentry. 
Better be the highest in a low degree, than the lowest in a 
higher. 

13. Be a friend to thyself, and others will befriend thee. 
Mens friends cominuuly bear a proportion to their circum- 
stances in the world. And therefore if we be such friends to 
ourselves, as to make our circumstances easy, and plentiful, 
we will not waut friends. \\ hereas, 

Infelicium nulii sunt coguati, nee amici. 

14. Better never begun, as never ended. 

A project begun, and not ended, will occasion expence, and 
expose to ridicule. 

15. Better a dee'l as a b daw. 



1 Jest. u A dog's name. x A cake bak'd in the ashes 
or before the fire. a Phvsicians. b Slut. 



36 SCOTTISH PROVERliS 

A stirring active woman, though somewhat ill-nalur'd and 
turbulent, is preferable to a lazy dirty drab, though quiet and 
peaceable. 

Eng. — Belter a sinew than a sheep. 

16. Between two sslools, arses tall down. 
Commonly he llial depends upon two contrary parlies, will 

be disappointed by both. 

Lat. — Duos lepores sequutus, ncutrum assequutus. 

17. Be thou well, be thou wo, thou shall not be ay so. 
Mens circumstances, and conditions, will not be always the 

same; but will altar, sometimes for the better, and sometimes 
tor the worse. 

Lat. — Non si male nunc, & olim sic erit. 

18. Between the dee'l, and the deep sea. 
That is, between two difficulties equally dangerous. 
Eng. — Go back and fall; go forward and mar all. 

I. at. — A fronte praicipitium, a tergo lnpi. 

19. Blue and better blue. 

That is, there may be difference between things of the same 
kind, and persons of the same station. 

Lat. — Servus servum pnestal, & dominus dominum. 

20. Better eat grey bread in your youth, than in 
your age. 

Better be in low circumstances in our younger years, wheu 
we have strength arid vigour to bear them, than in our decre- 
pid age. For as they say Eild and poortha is a sore burthen 
upon one back. 
Eng. — If ^outh knew what age will crave, 
It would both get and save. 

21. Better hold at the brim, than hold at the bottom. 
Better live sparingly while we have something, than s 

lavish! v, and afterwards want. 

Lat. — Sera est in faitdo parsimouia. 

22. Better hand loose, than on an ill tcddei ir:g. 
Belter at liberty, than an ill service. Belter a balcbelor, 

than married to an ill wife. 

23. Bread and cheese is fair to see, but man kee thou 

thine honesty. Said the landlady. 

24. Bread and cheese is good fo eat, \\ hen men can 
get no other meat. Said the guest. 

The one implies the excellency of modesty, in the midst of 
plenty. The other, the necessity of eating, when a man is 
hungry. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 37 

25. Better buy than borrow. 

True! for lie that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing. But 
Ibis will not hold when a man wants money, for in that case, 
lie must cither borrow, or want. 

26. Better the ill kerrd, than the ill unken'd. 

27. Better c rue sit, than rue flit. 

Both these spoken to them that long to change their mas- 
ters, servants, houses, farms and the like. Signifying that 
we know the inconveniences of our present condition, but not 
the consequences of a change. 

28. Better short and sweet, than long and lax. 
Apply'd to discourses, speeches, sermons, and the like, 

where a perspicuous brevity is belter than a tedious length. 
Lat. — Sermonis prolixit as odiosa. 
Item. — Quicquid praecipias esto brevis. 

29. Better marry o'er the d midding, than o'er the 
e moor. 

Better marry a neighbour's child, whose humours and cir ; 
eumstances you know, than a stranger. 
Eng. — Like blood, like good, like age, 

Make the happiest marriage. 
Lat. — Si qua voles apte nubere, nube pari. 

30. Better play for nought, than work for nought. 
For the one halh some pleasure, but the other, neither 

pleasure nor profit. 

31. f Bigging, and bairns marrying are great wasters. 
What expence building of houses, and marrying of children 

requires, is best known by experience. 

32. Better a clout, than the hole out. 

Spoken to them who find fault with a patch about you. 

33. Better a mouse in the pot than no flesh. 

Better something than nothing at all ; for, as they say, 
Something has some savour. 

34. Better an old maid than a young whore. 

An answer of an old maid, to a young woman who calls her 
so, as if she was the one, and she the other. 

35. Better a s wie fire to warm us, than a mickle fire 

to burn us. 
An ordinary fortune is safest, and exposes us to less danger, 
which has occasioned many proverbs. 



Repent. <» Dunghill. e Heath. { Building. 

s Little,. 



S8 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Eng. — Little sticks kindle a fire, but great ones put it out. 
Item. — Better ride an ass that carries me, than a horse tkat 
throws me. 

Lat. — Medio lutissimus ibis. 

Item. — Rarovenitin coenaculo miles. 

36. Break my head, and draw on my b hoo. 
Eng. — Bum me first, and then blow me. 

Item. — Break my head, and bring me aplaister. 
Item. — He covers me with his wings, and beats me with 
his bill. 

37. Buy a thief from the gallows, and he'll help to 

hang your self. 

I knew a very worthy clergyman in Scotland, who, by his 
interest and importunity, saved a villain from the gallows: 
and twelve years after, he was the first that rabbled him, and 
the sorest upon him. 

Eng. — Put a snake in your bosom, and it will sting when 
it is warm. 

38. Better hold out than put out. 

39. Better keep the devil at the door, than turn him 

out of the house. 
Both these signify, that it is better to keep out a bad inmate, 
because you will not so easily get rid of him, if he be once 
enterlain'd ; though I have heard the last apply'd in a literal 
sense, belter to resist the temptations of the evil one, than to 
master them when they are comply'd with. 

40. Better bairns greet as bearded men. 

Better you make your children cry with seasonable correc- 
tion, than they make you cry by their after miscarriage. 
Eng. — Birchen twigs break no ribs. 

41. Bairns mother brust never. 

Because she will keep meat out of her own moulh, and put 
it into theirs. 

42. Bring the head of the sow to the tail of the 'grice. 
L That is, balance your loss with your gain. 

Eng. — Set the hare's head to the goose giblets. 

43. k Boden geer stink ay. 
Eng. — Proffered service slinks. 
Lat. — Merx ultrunea pntct. 

Item.- — Par odio iinportuna benevolentia. 



Night-cap. » Pig. k Forc'd upon you. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 39 

44. Bid me to the roast, and beat me with the spit. 
Spoken when we are invited to our cost. 

45. Beg from beggars and you'll never be rich. 
Spoken when we ask that from one which they sought 

from another. 

46. Better be the happy man, than the happy man's son. 
Spoken when a prosperous man's son is fain into want. 

47. Better be off the world as out of the fashion. 

A proverb used by, and often to, vain girls, and empty beaus. 

48. Be still taking and tarrowing. 

Take what you can get, though not ail that is due. 

49. Better guide well, as work sore. 

And indeed good management will very much excuse hard 
labour. 

Lai. — Maxima supplex parsimouia. 
60. Better a shameless eatingthan a shameless leaving. 

51. Better belly brust as good meat spill. 

Both these spoken facetiously, to urge your friend to eat. 

52. Bode good, and get it. 

53. Bode a robe, and wear it ; bode a sack, and bear it. 
Speak heartily, and expect good, and it will fall out accord- 
ingly- 

54. Between ten and thirteen, bow the 1 waind while 

it is green. 
Give your children correction, while they are young, or 
there is a hazard that they will outgrow it. 
Eng. — Best bend while it is a twig. 
Item. — The trick the colt gets at his first backing. 
Will while he contiuuelh never be lacking. 
Lat. — TJdum & molle latum es ; nunc nunc properandus 
& acri 
Fingendus sine fine rota. 

55. Better learn from your neighbour's skathe, than 

your own. 

Lat. — Felix quern faciunt aliena pericula cautum. 
66. Better a dog fawn on you, as bark at you. 

It is good to have the good will even of the meanest. 
57. m Bourd not with my eye, nor with my honour. 

Both these are too tender points to be jested with : and the 
honour often more nice than the eye. 



1 Twig. m Jest. 

e2 



40 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

58. Better long little, than soon nothing. 
A persuasive to saving', and good husbandry. 

59. Better n sanght with little • aught, than care with 
many a cow. 

Solomon sajs, Better a little and quietness therewith, lhau 
a house full of sacrifices with strife. 

60. Bear wealth, for poverty will bear itself. 
Wealth is subject to a great many more lentations than po- 
verty. 

Lat. — Haud facile est fcqua commoda meute pati. 

61. Beggars p dow q bide no wealth. 

Spoken to those who having risen from a mean estate to a 
wealthy, turn proud and insolent. 

Lat. — Luxuriant animi rebus plerumque secundis. 

62. Better good sale than good ale. 

That is, great fame may do belter than great feats. 
Lat. — Fama belliim geritur. 

63 Blow the wind ne'er so fast, it will Mown at the 
last. 
Let the present disturbances be never so great, they will at 
glh settle. 
Eng. — After a storm comes a calm. 

64. Better old debts than old sores. 

The debls may come in, and the sores will ake. Spoken 
when we receive a debt that we did not expect. 

65. Bet er well beloved than ill wongeen. 

It is better to procure the love of many, by dealing justly 
and honestlv, than by cheating, knavery, and oppression to 
procure the hatred and delestalion of mankind. 

66. Better say here it is, than here it was. 

Better be at some pains to secure a thing that is in danger 
of being lost, or ^oing astray, than to lament the loss of it 
when it is gone. 

67. Better plays the full weime than the new coat. 

A child will be more chearf ul upon being well fed than new 
cloath'd. 

Eng. — Hunger pinches more than cold. 

Lat. — Fainem pellere salius est quam purpura nidus. 
68- Better happy at court thau good service. 



n Easy quiet. ° Good in possession. P Are able to 

1 Bear. r Turn calm. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 41 

Courtiers are often raised by some lucky turn of good for- 
tune, rather than by good service, or great qualifications. 

69. Better two skathes, than one sorrow. 

Losses may be repaired, but sorrow will break the heart, 
and ruin the constitution. 

70. Better sit still than rise and get a fall. 

Better continue in a low condition than be promoted, and 
afterwards disgrac'd. 

71. Better leave than 8 lack. 

In carrying on of a project, better to abound in material 
tools, and other necessaries, than be in the least deficient. 

72. Better unborn than untaught. 

An hyperbolical expression of our esteem of learning. 

73. Black will take no other hue. 

Intimating the difficultyof reclaiming perverse people. 

Can the Ethiopian change his colour. 

Lat. — Lanarum nigrae nullum colorem bibuut. 

74. Better be alone, than in ill company. 

Ill company is tedious and vexatious, whereas a good ma 
isnunqnain minus solus quam cinn solus. 

75. Better a ' thigging mother than a riding father. 

76. Better the mother with the poke than the father 

with the sack. 
Both these signify that the mother, though in a low condi- 
tion, will be more kindty to, and more careful of, orphans, 
than the father can be, though in a belter. And in case of a 
second marriage, children will have a far better life under a 
step-father than a step-mother. 

77. Bannocks is better than no bread. 
Better a coarse thing than nothing at all. 

78. Birth is much, but breeding is more. 

Great birth without good breeding makes but a vile figure. 
Lat. — Dedecorant bene uata culpas. 

79. Better a laying hen than a lying crown. 

Belter a small thing, by which you get daily advantage, 
than a more considerable thing lying useless. 

80. Better fed than nurtur'd. 

Spoken to children of wealthy parents, who are commonly 
saucy, insolent, and ill-natured. 

81. Better fill'd than u prick'd. 



* Want. t Thigging is somewhat less than begging. 

u Skivered. 



42 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Taken from blood puddings, apply'd jocosely to Ihem who 
bare oflen evacuations. 

82. Better wear shoon than sheets. 

Sick men wear sheets and sound men shoes, an excuse of, 
or for, boys who wear many shoes. 

83. Better an empty house than an ill tenant. 

An excuse for breaking wind backward unseasonably. 

84. By chance a cripple may * grip a hare. 

Spoken wlien an improbable thing is proposed, by saying, 
By chance it may do. 

85. Be going the gate's before you. 
A coldrife farewel. 

86. Better rough and w sonsie, than bare and x donsie. 
Belter a plentiful condition, though not so neat and nice, 

than too much cleanliness, with penury. 

87. Better give than take by a time. 

It may fall out that giving of a gift, may do more service 
than taking a reward. 

88. Be what you seem, and seem what you are. 

The best way ! for hypocrisy is soon discovered and after- 
ward abominated. For, 

J_ial. — Nemo diu egit hypocritam. 
Item. — Cura esse quod audis. 

89. Beauty ? but bounty availeth nothing. 

Solomon compares a fair woman, without discretion, to a 
jewel in a swine's snout. 

Eug. — Handsome is that handsome doth. 

90. Because is woman's reason. 

An answer to them, who, being asked why they did such a 
thing, say, Because, and no more. 

91. Bastard brood is ay proud. 

Spoken to bastards when they behave themselves saucily. 

92. Begin with needles and z prines, and leave off 
with horse and horn'd a nout. 

Intimating that they, who begin with pilfering and picking 
will not stop there, but proceed to greater crimes. 
Eng. — He that will steal an egg will steal an ox. 

93. Better my bairns seek of me, than I of them. 

An excuse of parents, for not giving their children too great 
a portion. 



Catch. w Lucky. x Poor, mean, despicable* 

y Without. z Pins. a Caltel. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 43 

94. Before T h ween'd, but now I wat. 

Spoken upon the fall discovery of some malefice, which be- 
fore we only suspected. 

95. Bitter pills may have blessed effects. 
Present afflictions may tend to our future good. 

96. Buchannan's Almanack, long foul, long fair. 
When weather continues long of one sort, it commonly 

continues as long of the contrary, when it changes. 

97. Black arse quoth the pot to the caldron. 
Spoken when others upbraid us with those faults that they 

are guilty of themselves; this is expressed in many proverbs. 
Lat. — Loripedem rectus derideal, ethiopen albus. 

98. Better spar'd than ill spent. 

Spoken against luxury and riot, intimating that the money 
that they squander in ruining soul, bodj, arid estate, were 
better for more worthy occasions. 

99. * Belaive is two hours and a half. 

An answer to them who, being bid to do a thing, say, Be- 
laive, that is, by and by. 

Eng. — Two anons, and by and by, is an liour and a half. 

100. But beginning yet, as the wife did that run k wood. 
A woman being mad and raging furiously slopped a little; 

some said, She has done now; but she answered, I am but 
beginning yet. It is since an answer to tlieni who ask us if 
we have done. 

101. Before an ill wife be a good ; if she was all turn'd 
to the tongue. 

Used when we promise to do a thing soon,tho' the promise 
need not oblige us to haste, for it will be a considerable time 
before a woman reform an ill tongue. They say also, 

102. Before the dee'l go blind, and he's not gone 
blear'd yet. 

Eng. — Before the cat lick her ear. 

103. Black's my apron, and am ay washing*! 

A senseless exclamation at hearing of a misfortune that we 
are not much concern'd about. I suppose it came from people 
saying, upon hearing of a real and concerning misfortune, 
Black's my heart. 

104. Be long sick, that you may be soon heal. 
Spoken to women in childbed, whom too early stirring may 

throw into some distemper. 

* Suspected. » Within a little. * Went mad. 



44 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

105. Be quick, for you'll never be cleanly. 

A phrase desiring girls to go nimbly on in their business. 

106. Better find iron, than l tine silver. 
A truism upon finding a piece of iron. 

107. Better a m togher in her than with her. 

Belter marry a well-bred, good-natur'd, virtuous woman, 
who is active and expert about business, than an idle, lazy, 
humoursome drab, with a much greater portion. Probalum est. 

108. Better no ring - than a ring - of a rush. 

I have not heard this us'd, it is in the old collection. I 
caunot see where the preference lies between nothing and a 
thing of no value, unless it be that nothing has no shew or 
pretence, whereas the other has an empty appearance. 

109. Borrow as I did. 

A facetious answer to a man who asks his loan before I 
have done with it. 

110. Bridale feud is soon forgotten. 

Those who are angry with you because you came not to 
their wedding, when invited, will soon be appeased. Apply'd 
when we are told that such an one is angry that you do not 
come to see him, and eat with him. 

111. Better o'er't than on't. 

An answer to him that says that he will give you O're the 
head, that is, break your head for you, as if O're imply'd a 
distance, and On fix'd the blow. 

112. Between you and the long day be it. 
An appeal to the day of judgment. 

113. Better a good fame than a good face. 
Better a deserv'd reputation, than a fam'd beauty. 
Eng. — Grace will last, savour will blast. 

1 14. Beds are best, quoth the good man to the guest. 
A cant inviting to bed. 

115. Better master one than fight with ten. 

It is no honour to undertake an impracticable attempt, and 
perish in the undertaking. ^ 

Eng. — He that bravely ventures, bravely breaks his neok. 

116. Better unkind, than o'er troublesome. 

117. Better my friend think me D framet than ° fa- 
shious. 

The two signify the same thing, viz. that he that sees his 
friend too seldom, errs on the right side. 



Lose. m Portion. D Strange. ° Troublesome, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 45 

Lat. — Malim in banc peccare partem, at desiderer, quam ut 
obtundam. 

118. Busy folks are ay medling. 
Spoken against pragmatic officious fellows. 

119. Boot who better lias. 

He tbat has the best bargain, give the boot. 

120. Better be merry with something, as sad with no- 
thing. 

121. But p bonny p o't like Boles good mother. 
Spoken when we think a thing little. 

122. Better be John Tomson's man, than Ring and 
Dinn's, or John Knox's. 

John Thomson's man is he that is complaisant to his wife's 
humours, Ring and Dinn's is he whom his wife scolds, John 
Knox's is he whom his wife beats. 

123. Bare words make no bargain. 
A preface to the demanding of earnest. 

124. Burn a candle at both ends, and it will not last 
long. 

Spoken when both the hosband and the wife are spenders. 

125. Bread and milk is bairns meat ; I wish they had 
sorrow that loves't. 

A sort of a riddle, not meaning the bread and milk, but 
sorrow, spoken to children when they ask such victuals. 

126. q Baken bread and brown ale will not bide long. 

127. Bare shoulders make burn'd shins. 

When a boy is ill cloath'd he will sit so near the fire that 
his legs will burn. 

128. Better be idle than ill occupied. 

Eng. — The brain that sows not corn plants thistles. 

129. r Bowked brides should have bor'd maidens. 
They who are with child before they are married should 

be attended by whores. 

130. Better you laugh than I s greet. 

A careless return to those who laugh at us, or at what we 
say or do. 

131. Better bow than break. 

Belter give way to a present torrent, than by obstinately 
withstanding or opposing it, ruin ourselves. 

132. Better skathe sav'd, than mends made. 



9 Pretty, little. <» Bak'd. F Bolky, big-bellied. * Cry. 



46 SCOTTISH PROVERBS" 

Keep your caltel from trespassing on my grain, for though 
you make up my loss, that will be your loss, and nothing of 
my advantage. 

133. Better the end of a feast than the beginning of a 
fray. 

You may get scraps at the one, and blows at the other. 

134. Before you make a friend eat a peck of salt with 
him. 

That you may be the belter apprised of bis humours. 

135. Better he envied than pitied. 

Happiness provokes the one, and calamity the other. 

136. Blind men should not judge of colours. 

Men should not give their opinions in those things in which 
they cannot be supposed to have skill. 
Lat, — Quid caeco cum coloribus. 

137. Better a bit in the morning than fast all day. 
Sometimes they say, than on the bare shins with a beetle. 

138. Butter is gold in the morning, silver at noon, 
and lead at night. 

A common saying, of whose truth or reason I know nothing. 

139. Better an old man's darling, than a young man's 
wonderling, say the Scots, warling, say the Eng- 
lish. 

I know not what either wonderling or warling signifieth, 
but it is used as an argument to induce a young girl to marry 
an old man, to the doing of which no arguments should prevail. 

140. Be it better, be it worse, be rul'd by him that 
has the purse. 

The vast influence that money has on the minds of mortals, 
has given occasion to this, and many other proverbs. 

141. Beggars breed and rich men feed. 

Poor peoples children find a support in the service of the 
rich and great. 

142. Birds of a feather will flock together. 

Spoken when people of a humour, temper, or trade, con- 
sort together. 

Lat. — Similes cum similibus facilis congreganlur. 

143. Better kiss a fcnave than be troubled with him. 
Spoken upon any occasion, when we do a thing to be freed 

from teazing and importunity. 

144. Better s keu'd than car'd for. 



Known. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 47 

Spoken to those who, iu vindication of themselves, say thai 
they are well ken'd, meaning that many know them to be 
good and honest, as if they were known to be the contrary. 

145. Better cry * fy salt, than u phy stink. 

An apology for having onr meat too much powdered, be- 
cause otherwise it would stink. 

146. Be it so, is no banning. 

Spoken when we unwillingly give our consent to a thing. 

147. Boyl stones in butter and you may sup the broth. 
Good ingredients will make very coarse meat savoury. 

148. Breeding wives are ay v beddie. 

A reason why we let such taste what is in our hands. 

149. w Birk will burn, if it was x burn * drawn. 
i Saugh will sob if it was sommer sawn. 

Signifying that birch will burn readily; but that willow* 
will not, but yield water. 

150. Bonnet aside, how sell you your malt? 

Only a jest upon them whose bonnet, cravat, or other parti 
of their dress, we see sit crooked. 

151. Beauty draws more than oxen. 

This is an English proverb, the Scottish one that answers 
it is smutty. 

c. 

1. Claw me, and I'll a claw thee. 

Spoken when we see two mutually obliging one another 
for their interest. 

Lat. — Manum manus fricat. 
Item. — Se invicem scabunt muli. 

2. Counsel is no command. 

That is, I advise you so; but you may do as you please. 

3. Cats and b carlins sit i'the c sun. 
But fair maidens sit within. 

Spoken to decoy our children to sit within, that they be 
not sun-burn'd. 

4. Come day, go day, God send Sunday. 

Spoken to lazy unconscionable servants, who only mind to 
serve out their time, and gel their wages. 



» We say fy when a thing displeases us. u Phy when it is 
filthy, vile, distasteful. v Cuveteons of some silly things. 
■ Birch. x Drawn through the river. ? Willows, osier. 
a Scratch. b Old women. c la Scotch pronounced sin. 



48 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

5. Cannot has no craft. 

An answer to those who, being bid do a thing, say they 
caunot. 

6. Come uncall'd, sit unserv'd. 

They have no reason to expect good usage, who go to a 
feast uncall'd. 

7. Changes of works is lightening of iiearts. 

8. Change of dee'ls is lightsome. 

Variety is always pleasing, whereas one continual talk is 
tedious. 

Lat. — Est qnoque cunctarum novitas gratisshna rerura, 

9. d Carles and cart e avers win all. 

And carles and cart avers spend all. 
Servants wages, buying and keeping of horses, and pur- 
chasing other ulensils, eat up the product of a farm. 

10. Cadgers has ay mind of load sadles. 

Spoken when people bring in, by head and shoulders, a 
discourse of those things the}' are affected with, and used to. 
Lat. — Navita de ventis, de tauris narrat arator. 

11. Condition makes, condition breaks. 

Particular conditions, agreed to, and condescended upon, 
binds a man in law. 

Lat. — Pactio tollil legem. 

12. Court to the town, and whore to the window. 
Persuading our daughters to stay within, and not be gad- 
ding, and gaping after every new sight: for such practice 
looked liker a whore than a modest virgin. 

Eng. — A maid oft seen, and a gown oft worn, 
Are disesteem'd and held in scorn. 

13. Clap a f carle on the cods, and he'll fart in yotir 
e loaf. 

Shewing the ungrateful temper of mean and unmannerly 
curs, who often requite a kindness with an ill tnrn. 
Lat. — Ungenlein pungit, pungenlein rusticus ungit. 
Item.- — Peril quod dalur ingiato. 

14. h Crooked ' carliu, quoth the cripple to Ins wife. 

15. Clipped arse, quoth k bunty. 

Spoken, as several others, when a man upbraids us with 
what himself is guilty of. 



d A carle is any man under a gentleman. € Horses. 
f Any man under a gentleman. f Hand. h Lame. j Citl 
woman, * A hen without a rump. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 40, 

Lat. — Quis tulerit Grachos de seditione querentes. 

16. Can is eith carried about. 
Eng. — Cunning is no burthen. 
Lat. — Quaevis terra alit artificem. 

17. Clout upon a hole is good gentry, clout upon a 

clout is good yeomanry, but clout upon a clouted 
clout is downright beggary. 
.Facetiously spoken, to those who quarrel with a patch 
about you. 

18. Carry a lady to Rome, and give her one l hatch, 

all is done. 

A reflection upon the humours of great persons, whom if 
you oblige in a hundred things, and disoblige in one, All the 
fat is in the fire. 

Lat — Dalcis inexpertis culturapotentis amici. 

19. Cold kail hot again, that lov'd 1 never. 
Old love renewed again, that lov'd I ever. 

Spoken when an old courtship is renewed. The first 
answers Crambe re cocta semi mors. The second, Amanlium 
ira araoris redintegratio est. 

Eng. — Old pottage is sooner heated than new ones made. 

20. Cast you o'er the house m riggen, and you'll fall 

on your feet. 
Spoken when one has a better fortune than either they ex- 
pected, or deserved. 

21. Confess debt, and beg days. 

That is, own your debts, and request for a longer day of 
payment. 

22. Cast a bone in the deel's teeth. 

Gratify some squeezing oppressor, or some unconscionable 
officer, to save your self from his harm. 

23. Corn him well he'll work the better. 

Taken from usage given to horses. ApplyM to the giving 
of large fees that you may be the better serv'd. 

24. Cast not out the foul water, till you bring in the 

clean. 
Part not with that way of living you have, till you be sure 
of a better. 

Ho. n Crabbed was, and cause had. 
26. ° Crab without a cause, and p mease without 
amends. 

'Jolt. m Top of the house. n Angry. ° Be angry. P Settle. 



50 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

27. Cool in the skin you p hat in. 

These three are spoken to them that are angry, and we 
know not for what: the first ironically, and the other two with 
resentment. 

28. Come not to counsel uncaU'd. 

Spoken to officious persons, literally translated from, 
Lat. — Ne accesseris ad consilium, antequam voceris. 

29. Come it early, come it late, in May, comes the cow 
quake. 

A cold rain oftentimes falls out in May, which makes the 
cows, which are then but poor and weak, to tremble. 
SO. Care not, would have it. 

If you ask a man if he will have such a thing, and he an- 
swers I care not., it is a sign that he would have it. 

31. Common fame « sindle to blame. 

A man will seldom be under an universal ill report, unless 
he has given some occasion for it. 
Eng. — No smoke without some fire. 
Lat. — Rumor publicus non omnino frustra est. 

32. Cast the cat o'er him. 

It is believed tliat when a man is raving in a fever, the cat 
cast over him will cure him; apply'd to them whom we hear 
telling extravagant things, as they were raving. 

33. Cold cools the love that kendles so hot. 

A pretended observation that they, whose passions are loo 
violent in the beginning, will soon alter, and grow coldrife* 
Eng. — Hut love soon cold. 

34. ^Cut dwells in every town. 

Cut is a dog's name, and Cut is a publick tax, and few towns 
want that. 

35. Cease your snow-halls casting. 

Spoken to them who are throwing their tannts about. 

36. Contentibns, quoth Tommy Tomson, kiss my 

wife and welcome. 
Spokea facetiously when we comply with a project. 

37. Clean r pith, and fair play. 

That is, without trick or cheat, taken from wrestling. 

38. Cripples are good doers ; break your leg and try* 
The first is an assertion, the second an answer. 

39. Cocks with red combs are good traders. 
A jest upon a man that has red hair. 

P Grew hot. * Seldom. " Strength. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 51 

40. s Combsters are ay ■ creechie. 

It is ordinary to see men look like their trade. 

41. Call again, you're no ghost. 

Spoken when one knocks at the door, upon supposition that 
a ghost will not call twice. 

42. Counsel will make a man stick his own mare. 
Spoken when we are over persuaded to do a thing 1 . 

43. Change of masters, change of manners. 

44. Count like Jews, pay like friends. 

A very good advice ! and answers to that other proverb, 
Oft counting keeps friends long together. 

45. u Caff and v drass is good enough for cart w avers. 
Coarse meat may serve people of coarse conditions. 
Eng. — No carrion will kill a crow. 

46. Come up, my dirty cousin. 

A reprimand to mean people, when they propose a thing 
that seems too sancy. 

47. Careless folk cumbers the earth. 

Spoken to those who, in a sullen mood (upon any disap- 
pointment, reproof or disaster) say they care not. 

48. Cast your cloaths togither. 

That is, marry, they will say you, and such an one will 
cast your r.loaths togither. 

49. Comb sindle, comb sore. 

Taken from children's heads, which if long uncomb'd will 
become so entangled, that it will put them to pain. Ap- 
ply'd to those who forbear for awhile, and then come with se- 
verity. 

50. Children are certain cares, but uncertain comforts. 
This proverb needs no explication to any that ever had 

children, and brought them up : they well know that we can 
have them no lime without care; but often without .comfort. 

51. Custom is a second nature. 

So strong is invelerale custom, that it often conquers, and 
bears down, nature itself. 

52. Come with the wind, go with the water. 
Lat. — Male parta, male dilabuntur. 

53. Cut your cloak according to you. cloth. 
Let your expence be suited to ^our income. 

54. Charge your friend, er'e you need him. 



s Wool-combers. * Greasy. » Chaff. v Grains. 

w Horses. 

F 2 



52 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

That you may know what to expect from him, if you do. 

55. Chalk is no x sheers. 

Taken from taylors marking out their cloth before they cut 
it, signifying that a tiling may be proposed, that will never be 
executed. 

56. Confession of a fault is half amends. 

It softens resentment, and signifies that a man is sorry. 
Lat. — Ignoscerepulchrum, pcenae genus est vidisse precan- 
tem. 

57. Crack of wealth watty. 

A jeering exclamation, when one has gotten something 
that they did not expect, or far'd belter than was supposed. 

58. Count again is no forbidden. 

Spoken when we count the money we have received. 

D. 

1 . Dogs bark as they are bred. 

Spoken when people, vilely educated, behave themselves 
accordingly. 

Eng. — It is hard to make a horse shite oats that never eat 
any. 

Item. — Cat after his kind. 

2. Death and marriage make term day. 

Marriage frees a man from his service in Scotland j and 
death in all countries, 

3. Daylight will peep through a little hole. 
A little indication may discover a great design. 

4. Dear bought and far sought is good for ladies. 
Witness tea, coffee, china-wares, and the like, which if they 

were the natural product of these kingdoms would not be 
rained. 

Lat. — Magis ea juvant quae pluris emuntur. 

5. Drunk at night and dry in the morning. 

They are very temperate and abstemious people, wbo are 
not sensible of the truth of this proverb. 
Eng.— Ever drink, ever dry. 

6. y Dree out the inch as you have done the span. 
Spoken to encourage people to continue in ill service, or 

bear ill circumstances, whose end is near at hand. 
Lat. — Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito. 

7. Draff is good enough for swine. 



x Scissors. > Bear, suffer. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 53 

Spoken jocosely when people refuse what is good, and fine, 
and feed upon that which is more coarse. 

Eng. — A turd is as good for a sow, as a pancake. 
Lat. — Sui gratius coenum quamunguenlum. 
Item. — Asinus stramentuin mavult quam aurum. 

8. Dirten arse dreads ay. 

When people are sensible that they have done amiss, they 
are still apprehensive of discovery. 

Lat. — Heu quam difficile est crimen non prodere vultu. 
Item. — Judicium metuit sibi mens male conscia justum. 

9. Do on the hill as you would do in the hall. 
Accustom yourself to act with discretion and good manners 

at all times ; and it will become habitual and easy to you. 

10. Dee'J made souters sailers, that can neither steer 

nor row. 
Spoken to them that take a thing in hand that they have no 
skill of. 
• Lat. — Qui semitam non sapiunt, alteri monstrant viam. 
Item. — Oportet rerum ducere qui didicit. 

11. Dogs will rid swine. 

A third opposite will make two contending parties agree. 

12. Drive a cow to the hall and she'll run to the bayer. 
Spoken when people of mean breeding, and low education 

do not take to, or become, a more honourable station. 
Lat. — Fortuna non mutat genus. 

13. Did you ever b fit accounts with him ? 

Spoken to them who lavishly commend some person, of 
whose honesty, and just dealing, they have had no proof. 
Lat. — Qualem commendas etiam atque etiam aspie j nemox, 
Incutiant tibi peccata aliena pudorem. 

14. Double charge will c rive a canon. 

Spoken when people urge upon you more than yon. can 
bear, be it meat, drink, work, or so. 

15. Double drinks are good for drouth. 

Spoken when we would have him that has drunk once 
drink again. 

16. Doves and d domine's leave ay a foul house. 
Pigeons will dirty every thing where they are: and these 

little fellows, whom gentlemen bring in to educate their chil- 
dren, will be entreaguing with the maids ; and it is well if the 
daughters escape. 



Adjust. c Split. d Pedagogues. 

f3 



54 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

17. Daughters and dead fish are no keeping wares. 
If so! let the daughters be dispos'd of, and the fish eaten 

as soon as conveniently you can 5 lest the one miscarry and 
the other stink. 

Eng. — Marry your son when you will, and your daughter 
when you can. 

Item. — Marry your daughter lest she marry her self. 

18. e Dummy will not lye. 

Spoken to convince our servants, and others, of their ill 
usage of what has been among their hands: as if you would 
say, see my horse is lean, my utensils are broken, my grain is 
eaten. Nempe res ipsa loquitur. 

19. Deed shews proof. 

The thing done shews how it was done, and what was done 
with it. 

Lat. — Exitus acta probat. 

20. Dirt defies the king. 

Spoken disdainfully to them that say they defy us. 

21. Dee'l f mein you if your leg was broken. 
Spoken to them who have "gotten some signal good fo une, 

as if it were no pity to see them get some mishap. 

22. Dee'l speed them that speer's and ken's so well. 
A spiteful return to those who ask an ensnaring question 

which we suspect the}" can answer themselves. 

23. Death at one door and § hardship at another. 
Spoken when the head of a 'family is dead, by whose in- 
dustry they were upheld and kept together. 

24. Draff he sought, but drink was his errand. 
Spoken of them who make a sleeveless errand into a house 

where they know people are at dinner. 
26. Do a thing well and no body will ask how long 
you was about it. / , 

Spoken when men excuse their not doing a thing well, be- 
cause they did not bestow time on it. 

Eng. That which is well done is twice done. 

26. Drink and drouth come not always togither. 

27. Danger past and God forgotten. 

In time of danger and affliction men will address themselves 
earnestly to God for relief- but too ofteu when relieved forget 
to be thankful. As one savs of the Pope's courtiers, Importuni 
nt accipiant,inquieti donee accipiant; & ubi acciperint ingrati. 



« That which cannot speak. f Bemoan. « Ruin. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 55 

Lat. — Simul ac misertum est perit gratia. 

28. Dirt parts good company. 

Spoken when unworthy fellows break in upon our com- 
pauy, which makes us uneasy, and willing to break up. 

29. Dame h deem warily, ye wat no who ' wiles your 
k sell. 

Spoken to them who pass harsh censures upon others, while 
perhaps they themselves are as harshly censured. 

30. Ding down the nests, and the rooks will flee 

away. 
Destroy the places where villains shelter, and they will 
disperse. This proverb was unhappily apply'd at the Refor- 
mation to the destroying of many stately cathedrals and col- 
legiate churches. 

31. Do well and doubt no man. 

But rest satisfied in the testimony of a good conscience. 
Lat. — Conscia mens recti famae mendacia ridet. 

32. Do well and doubt all men. 
Lest they malign and envy you. 

33. Death defies the doctor. 

Lat. — Contra vim mortis non est medieamen in horlis. 

34. Do not sigh for him, but send for him ; if he be 

unhangM he'll come. 
Spoken when a young maid sighs, alledging that it is for a 
sweetheart. 

Lat. — Non luclu, sed remedio, opus est in malis. 

35. Do as the maids do, say no and take it. 
Spoken when we urge a thing upon them, who have already 

refused it. 

36. J Daffen and want of wit makes old wives m kirn 

water. 
Spoken when we alledge that nothing but egregious folly 
could tempt a man to do such a thing. 

37. n Dast folk's no wise strow. 

Spoken when people advise what is not prudent, or promise 
what is not reasonable. 

38. ° Ditt your mouth with your meat. 

Spoken with resentment to our inferiors when they talk at 
table what they should not. 



h Judge. * Blames. k Self. ' Jolly. 
m Churn. n Foolish. ° Stop. 



56 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

39. Deel's in our bairns, they will not go to bed when 
their belly is full. 

Spoken with indignation, when people who are already 
well enough, cannot hold themselves so, or be satisfied. 

40. Deal small and serve all. 

Spoken when we see a thing unequally divided. 

41. Do well and have v\ell. 

That is, be a good m.m, and vou will be kindly dealt by, 
for, Bonis bona cnnlingiint. 

42. Do the likeliest, and hope the best. 

43. Do as you would be done by. 

Lat. — Qnud tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne facias. 

44. Do well, and dread no shame. 

45. Do what you ought, and come what will. 

These two. with others of that sort, signify that men should 
act upon a steady principle of virtue, justice, and honesty ; 
not out of fear, interest, or shame : and this truly is the only 
way to go through the world with ease, reputation, and ho- 
nour. 

46. Delays in love are dangerous. 
For either party may alter their mind. 

47. Damming and loving is sure fishing. 

An advice to prefer a sure gain, though small, to the 
prospect of a greater with uncertainty. 

48. Dee'l be i'the pack sheet she comes in. 
Eng. — I would not touch her with a pair of tongs. 

E 

1. Ever busy, ever bare. 

It is not always found that they who pursue the world most 
eagerly, gets the greatest share of it. 

2. Every man to his mind, quoth the carle when he 

kiss'd his cow. 
The variety of men's affections, and aversions, has given 
occasion to many proverbs. 

Lat. — Denique non omnes eadem mirantur amantque. 
Item. Trahit sua quemque voluptas. 

3. Experience is good, but often dear bought. 

4. Experience teaches fools. 

Both spoken when people find themselves, or others mis- 
taken in some things, and courses, which they formerly lov'd, 
and approv'd of, to their disadvantage. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 57 

Lat. — Experientia stultorum magistra. 

5. Every man's nose will not be a shoeing horn. 
Spoken to them who have found the man, with whom they 

were dealing, more sagacious and cunning than they ex- 
pected : every man is not to be impos'd on, or made a pro- 
perty of. 

6. Every crow thinks its own a bard b bonniest. 
Lat. — Suum cuique pulchrum. 

7. Every play must be play'd, and some must be the 

players. 
An excuse for a project that has miscarried, taken from 
fatality. As the rogue says in the play, 
Quid si hoc quispiam voluit deus. 

8. Every man wears his belt in his own fashion. 

An apology for a man's acting differently from others: I 
have heard this proverb olherways express'd.' 

Lat. — Velie suum cuique est nee voto vivitur uno. 

9. Every miller draws water to his own mill. 

Men's eagerness upon self-interest has given occasion to 
tills, and a great many other proverbs. 
Lat. — Proximus sum egomet mihi. 

10. Every man can guide an ill wife, but he that has 
her. 

Often, and justly, apply'd in a literal sense ; but in a ge- 
neral when one apprehends that he could order such a sta- 
tion, post, or business, better than he that has it. 

Lat. — Facile omnes, cum valemus, aegrolis cousilia damns. 

11. Every man for himself, and God for all. 

The best meaning this will bear is, every man do his best 
endeavour, and leave the issue to God.' 

12. Every land hath its own c laugh, and every corn 
its own d caff. 

Every country hath its own laws, customs, and usages. 
Eng. — So many countries, so many customs. 
Lat. — Suus est mos cuique genti. 

13. Enough is as good as a feast. 

14. Enough is enough of bread and cheese. 

Lat. — Satis est quod sufficit ; nimis est quod suffocat. 

15. Every man e fJamnls the fat sow's arse. 



a Young one. b Fairest, prettiest. 

c Law, custom. <* Chaff. e Basteth. 



58 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

They will be sure to get most gifts that least waut them. 
Eng. — Every one basteth the fat hog, while the lean one 
burneth. 

Lat. — Pauper eris semper, si pauper es Quintiliane. 
Danlur opes nullis, nunc, nisi divitibus. 

16. Eith to learn the cat to ;be f kirn. 

An ill custom is soon learn'd, but not so soon forgotten. 
Lat. — Canis a corio nunquaui absterebitur undo. 
Item. — Periculum est canem intestiua gustasse. 

17. Every dog hath his day, and a bitch two after- 

noons. 
Every man Lath his turn of good or bad fortune. Com- 
monly spoken with a vindictive mind, when injur'd by those 
in place or power ; hoping that we will have our day about 
with them. 

18. Every thing hath a beginning. 

Spoken to encourage a man to go on with a small business, 
slock, or interest, in hopes of future advancement. 
Lat. — Omne principium debile. 

19. Either a man, or a mouse. 
Either do strenuously, or give over. 
Lat. — Aut Caesar aut nihil. 

20. Every man's man had a man, and that made the 

treve fall. 
The treve was a strong castle built by black Douglass : the 
governor left a deputy, and he a substitute, by whose negli- 
gence the castle was taken and burn'd. Spoken when ser- 
vants emplo\ other servants to do the business that they 
were entrusted with, and both neglect it. 

21. Every man lor his own hand as John Jelly fought. 
A proverb barring partners, two men was righting, John 

Jelly going by makes up fiercely to them, each of them ask'd 
him which he was for, he answered for his own hand, and 
beat tliein both. 

22. Ever) day is not s Yule-day, give the cat a 

h castock. 
Signifying that upon jovial occasions people should be 
more free and liberal than ordinary, because they return not 
often. 

23. Either live or die with honour. 



f Chum. s Christmas. h A kail stock. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 59 

Do stoutly and bravely, and if you prevail, you live, and 
if you die, you die with honour. 

Lat. — Emori per virtutein praestat, quam per dedecus 
vivere. 

24. Every thing would fain live. 

Spoken in excuse of man or beast, who make their best 
endeavour to gel a living;. 

25. Eat well is drink well's brother. 

Spoken when we have eaten well, and taken a large draught 
after. 

26. Every thing has its time, and so has the * rippling- 
comb. 

The sense the same with the 17th. 

27. Every best his k bottle. 

This is only spoken when people are drinking, and propose; 
that every man shall have his pint, quart, &c. 

28. Eat your fill, and 1 pouch none, is Gardiners law. 
Spoken to them who pocket some of what is before them. 

29. m Eild and n poortha is a sore burthen on one 
back. 

No doubt age joyn'd with poverty is very afflicting, when 
a man wants support, and ability to procure it. 

30. Ell and tell is good merchandise. 

The best market is to get ready money for your wares, to 
the same purpose they say, 

31. The best payment is on the peck bottom. 

Thai is, when you have measured out your grain, to receive 
your payment on the peck that measured it. 

32. Early master, soon ° knave. 

When a youth is loo soon his own master, he will squander 
his patrimony, and so must turn servant. 

33. Evening oarts is good morning foder. 

Spoken when a man breakfasts upon what he left for 
supper. 

34. p Eith to keep the castle that was never beseeg'd. 
Spoken with bitlerness, by a handsome woman, when an 

ugly one calls her a whore. Intimating that no body will 
give her the tenlation. 



' An instrument to take the bolls of the lint. k A bundle 
of straw or hay.. 1 Pocket. ■» Age. n Poverty. 
° Servant. p Easy. 



60 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Eng. — Easy keeping an orchard when no body robs it. 
Lat. — Forma maligna pudicitiae castos. 

35. Every shoe fits not every foot. 

Every condition of life, every behaviour, every speech and 
gesture, becomes not every body ; that will be decent in one,, 
which will be ridiculous in another. 

Eng. — A man in a doublet may make an ass in a cassock. 

.Lat. — Nam quod turpe bonis titio Seioque decebat, 
Crispinum. 

36. Early sow, early mow. 

The sooner a man sets about a business, the sooner he- 
finds the effects of it. 

Eng. — The rath sower never borrows from the late. 

37. Every thing is the worse for the wearing. 
Spoken of persons, beasts, and things, when they are grown 

old and decaj'd. 

38. Either wiu the horse, or i tiue the saddle. 
Spoken as an encouragement to a noble attempt. 

39. Early pricks that will be a thorn. 

40. Early crooks the tree that in good h cainmon will 
be. 

Both these signify that children soon shew their propensities 
and inclinations. 

Lat. — Protinus apparet qui arbores frugiferae futurae. 
Item. — Adeo a teneris assues»cere mul turn est. 

41. Either the » tod or the k braken bush. 

Spoken to silly people when they speak with uncertainly. 

42. Every one loups over the dike where it is l laigh- 

est. 
There are many proverbs to this purpose, signifying that 
poor people are run down by every body. 

43. Every man to his trade, quoth the boy to the bi- 
shop. 

A bishop asked a cabbin boy if he could say his prayers, 
he ask'd the bishop if he could say his compass, the bishop 
said no ; why then, says the boy, every man to his trade. 

Lat. — Tractent frabilia fabri. 

Item. — Quam scituterque liberis censebo exerceat artem. 

44. Every flow hath its m ebb. 

i Lose. h A crooked stick with which boys play at 

eammon, shinny, or side ye. * Fox. k Furn. l Lowest. 
tt Neep. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 6l 

There is a time when families, and single persons thrive, 
and there is a time when lliey go backward. 
Lat. — Variae sunt fortunae vices. 

45. Eat and welcome, fast and twice as welcome. 
A jocose invitation to our known friend to eat. 

46. Even stands his cap to-day tor all that. 

It took its rise from a minister in our country, who for a 
sermon preach'd most fiercely against the supremacy of the 
Pope; and for a conclusion said, Even stands his cap for all 
that I have said, drinking good Romany wine this day. Ap- 
ply'd when we signify that all that we can say against any 
great man, can do him no harm. 

47. Early rising is the first thing that puts a man to 
the door. 

In the Scottish phrase to be put lo the door is to be ruin'd; 
so the jest lies in the double signification of the word, for when 
a man rises early he will soon go to the door. 

48. Eating and drinking takes away a man's stomach. 

A jest, but contrary to another. 

49. Eating and drinking wants but a beginning. 
Eng. — One shoulder of mutton drives down another. 

50. m Even your heels to your arse, and your arse to 

the n muck p midding. 
A phrase of great contempt and indignation, to them that 
say, in anger, that they are as good as us, as if we should say, 
compare things that are alike ; compare your heels to your 
breech, and that to the dunghill. 

51. Every man's dog will be as full of him as mine. 
Spoken when we are blam'd for riding our horse too hard 4 

as if you would say, I'll get no other use of him, for when he 
is dead, he will be a common feast for every dog. 

52. Every man as he loves let him send to the cook. 

This is*, Jet every man choose according to his liking. 

53. Every man bows to the bush he gets z beel of. 
Everyman pays court to him that he gains by. 

54. a Eild would be honoured. 
Eng. — Age is honourable. 

Lat. — Credebanthoc grande nefas, & morte piandum. 
Si vetulo puer non assurrexerit. 

55. Every man is a fool sometimes, and none at all 
times. 



Compare. n Dung, p Dunghill. z Shelter. * Age. 

G 



62 SCOTTISH PItOVERBS 

An apology for an imprudent action, in ourselves or other?. 
Great wits to madness, sure, are near allied, 
And thin partitions doth their bounds divide. 
56. Eith till that thy own heart will. 

Eng. — Where the will is ready the feet are light. 
57- Eith learn'd soon forgotten. 

It is observ'd that they that come hard by any part of learn- 
ing retain itloug; and on the contrary they who suddenly 
learn, soon forget. 

Lat. — Dediscit aniinuc sero, quod dedicil diu. 

58. Even as ye win't, so may you wear't. 

Spoken to them who have gotten something by base and 
unjust means, and wish it may prosper with them accordingly. 

59. Eaten bread is eith to pay. 

Spoken of them who have bought something of me, and re- 
fuseth, or delayeth to pay me. 

60. Every b dud bids another good day. 
Spoken of people in rags and tatters. 

Eng — He is in the rag-man's hands. 

61. Every man is blind in his own cause. 
Eng. — Self-love is a mote in every man's eye. 

62. Eat till you sweat, and work till you frize. 

An upbraiding speech to lazy servants who love meat bet- 
ter than work. 

Lat. — Sudani quando vorant, frigescunt quando laborant. 

63. Eagles catches no flies. 

Eng. — The gose-hawk beats not at a bunting. 
Lat. — Aquila non captat muscas. 

64. Eat pease with the king, and cherries with the 
beggar. 

Pease are best when young, and cherries when ripe. 

65. Everyman's tale is good till another's .be told. 
Solomon hath it thus, When a man is first in his own 

cause he seemeth right, but his neighbour coineih after and 
trieth him. 

66. Every man at thirty is a fool or a physician. 
He is a fool who at that age knows not his constitution. 

67. Every man is no born with a silver spoon in his 

mouth. 
Every man is not born to an estate, but must labour for his 
support. 

b Rag. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH* 63 



1. For more acquaintance, as Sir John Ramsey drunk 

to his father. 
Sir John Ramsey had been long abroad, and coming home 
he accidentally met with his father, who did not know him: 
he invites his father to a glass of wine, and drinks to him for 
more acquaintance. Apply'd jocosely, when we drink to our 
intimate friends or relations. 

2. Fortune helps the hardy ay, and pultroons ay re- 

pels. 
Oul of the book call'd the Cherry and the Sloe j but ever 
since used as a proverb upon jovial occasions. 
Lat. — Audentes fortuna juvat. 

3. Foul fall nought, and then he'll get nothing. 

A word of contempt to, or of, mean and unworthy persons, 
when tliey begin to be presumptuous. 

4. Fools sets long a trysts. 

Spoken when people promise to do a thing a good while 
hence. 

5. Folks dogs bark worse than themselves. 

Spoken when our neighbours servants resent a thing we 
have done, worse than they would do themselves. 

6. Fools haste is no speed. 

Spoken when people make a great bustle, and yet pot no 
work by their hand, but often by their too much haste spoil 
what they are about. 

Lat. — Canis festinans caecos parit catulos. 

7. Fart on this side of the sea, and fart on the other 

side. 

Change of climates dolh not always change manners. 

Lat. — Palriam qnis exul, se quoque fugit. 

Item. — Coelum, non animum, mutat qui trans mare cnrrit. 

8. Fair b heights make fools c fain. 

Eng. — Promise and give nothing is comfort for a fool. 
Lat. — Promissis dives quilibet esse potest. 

9. Fat fowls have fair feathers. 

Spoken when people exlol what they have heard or seen 
elsewhere, as giving little credit to them. 

Lat. — Remoti colles vit ides procul esse videntur. 

10. Feeling has no fellow. 

a Appointments. b Promises. c Glad. 
G 2 



64 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

I suppose in point of certainty, though I have heard it other" 
wise apply'd. 

11. For as good again, like the Sundays milk. 

A precise woman in our country would not sell her milk on 
Sunday, but would give it for as good again. Spoken when we 
suspect peoples kindness to be mercenary ; or when we pro- 
mise to make either their kindness, or michief, a suitable re- 
turn. 

12. Friendship cannot stand ay on one side. 

Friendship is cultivated by mutual good offices; spoken to 
urge some instances of kindness on them to whom we have 
been formerly oblig'd. 

Lat. — Dedecus est semper sumere, nilque dare. 

13. Frost and falshood has ay afoni hinder end. 
When frost lliaws, the ways are dirty ; and when ialshood. 

is discovered it causes shame and disgrace. 

14. Fools, bairns, and drunken men tell all that is in 
their mind. 

The reflection is on the last. 

Lat. — Cum verax aperit praecordia liber. 

15. Friends agree best at a distance. 

By friends here is' meant relations, and they agree best when 
their interests does not interfere. 

16. Feeding out of course, makes metal out of kind. 
Good pasture will make a small breed of cattel larger. 

17. Fair fall the wife and well may she spin, 

That reckens the d lawing with a quart to come 
in. 
A rhyme among drunken companions, who would have the 
landlady put into her bill a bottle not yet called for. 

18. Fools should not have e chapping sticks. 
Spoken when we take a stick from a child, or when others 

are doing harm with what they have taken up. 
Lat. — Non prodest stulto virga nociva data. 

19. Foul water h slockens fire. 
It has but a foul meaning. 

20. False folk should have many witnesses. 

For otherways tliey will deny their bargain. Spoken when 
cunning knaves bid you prove what you alledge. 

21. Fair folk is ay * fisonless. 

d The Reckoning. c Sticks in their hand to beat with. 

h Quenches. 'Featless, feeble, niggardly. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 65 

A jest upon them who are of a fair complexion, as if such 
were weakly, niggardly, or little good with them. 

22. Farewel frost, fair weather k nest. 

Spoken when they go off, whom we are glad to part with. 
Eug. — Farewel frost, nothing gotten nothing lost. 

23. Featless folk is ay fain of 1 other. 

A jest upon two people who are glad when they meet. 

24. Far from my heart my husband's mother. 

Taken from the ill understanding that is often between 
mothers in law and their daughters in law. Spoken when a 
loss is mentioned in which we have little concern. 

25. From the teeth forward. 

That is, not inwardly, and from my heart, ore tenus. 

26. Folks wat not, sometimes, whether to run fast or 

go at leisure. 
For too much haste may spoil a business, as well as too 
much laziness. 

Lat. — Fallitur in dubiis, humana solertia, rebus. 

27. Fair exchange is no rob'ry. 

Spoken when we take up one thing, and lay down another. 

28. m Fair fall you and that's n a fleech. 

An ironical commendation of them, whose words and ac- 
tions we approve not. 

29. For fault of wise men fools sit on benks. 
Spoken when we see unworthy persons in authority. 

30. Fools are fain of flitting, and wise men of sitting. 
Spoken to them who are fond of altering their place, sta- 
tion, or condition, without good reason. 

Lat. — Optat ephippia bos, optat arare caballus. 

31. Fill full, and ha'd full, makes a stiff ° weime. 
Spoken when people eat between meals. 

32. Far fra court, far fra care. 

A real truth, bat rarely believed, till confirm'd by expe- 
rience. 

Lat. — Procul a jove, procul a fulmine. 

33. Fancy flees before the wind. 

Love and liking are not always well grounded. 

34. Fresh fish, and poor friends become soon ill 

p sar'd. 
Spoken when we see poor relations slighted. 

k Next. ' One of another. m Blessing on you. n A 
piece of flattery. ° Belly. P Savour'd, smell'd. 
g 3 



66 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

35. ? Flaying a r burd is no the way to s grip it. 

A vile intimation ! that a man should conceal his ill inten- 
tions upon any, lest they provide against it, and so prevent it. 
Eng. — Let not your mouse-trap smell of cheese. 
Lat. — Quae nirnis apparent relia fugit avis. 

36. Fat paunches bode lean pates. 

A groundless reflection upon fat men, of whom I have 
known many ingenious, and but few ill-natur'd or malicious. 

37. Forewarned halfarm'd. 

A man who expects a misfortune will prepare against it. 
Lat. — Praemonitus, praeinuuitus. 

38. Fair words will not make the pot l play. 
Eng. — Fair words butter no parsnips. 

39. Fast bind, fast find. 

An encouragement to careful securing, and laying up, as 
the only way to keep and preserve. 

40. Force, without forecaste, is little worth. 
Strength, unless guided by skill and discretion, will avail 

but little. 

Lat. — Vis consilii expers mole ruit sua. 

41. Follow love and it will flee thee : 
Flee love and it will follow thee. 

I do not understand this proverb ; unless it answers to that 
of the flatterer in Terence : Novi ingenium mulierum j nolunt 
ubi velis ; ubi nolis cupiunt ultro. 

42. Fools tye knots, and wise men loose them. 
Spoken when people, for want of skill and management, 

have spoil'd and entangled a business, which will require wis- 
dom to set right again. 

43. Forbid a fool a thing, and that he will do. 
Apply'd for the most part to children, when they do what 

they have been forbid once, and again. 

Lat. — Nitimur invetitum semper, cupimusque negata. 

44. Freedom is a fair thing: 
But often foully abused. 

Eng. — No man loves his fetters though made of gold. 
They say Sir William Wallace had always the following 
rhyme in his mouth, 

Dico tibi verum, libertas optima rerum, 
Nunquam servilisub nictu vivito fili. 

45. u Fling at the v brod was ne'er a good ox. 

i Frightening. r Bird. » Catch. * BoiL u Kick* 
Goad. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 67 

Taken from a drawing ox, who kicks when he is prick'd 
by the goad. Apply'd to Ihein who spurn at reproof. 

46. Far behind must follow the faster. 

People whose business and labour is behind their neigh- 
bours, must be the more busy and industrious. 

47. February fill dike either with black or white. 
February brings commonly rough weather, either snow or 

rain. 

48. For my own pleasure as the man w strake his 

wife. 
A surlish answer to them who ask you why you do such a 
thing. 

49. Fat flesh frizes soon. 

Spoken when a fat person complains of cold. 

50. Fools wonder ay at s farlies. 

A surlish answer to them that say that they wonder why you 
did so, or so. 

51. Fann'd fire and forc'd love, never did well yet. 
And indeed both flames burn brightest when they come 

freely. 

Lat- — Omne ex necessitate molestum est. 

52. Four and tuantie taylors cannot make a man. 
The jest is in the word make, for though one taylor can 

shew himself a man, jet no number of them can frame one. 

53. Flee never so fast you cannot flee your fortune. 
Spoken by them who believe that all things come by fa- 
tality. 

Lat. — Lanificas nulli tres exorare sorores 

Contigit ; observant quam statuere diem. 

54. Fools should not see half done work. 

Many fine pieces of work will look clumsy, and aukward 
when it is a doing, which they who want judgment will be 
offended at. 

55. Farts in * ersc is dirt in Latin. 

A by word expressing contempt and scorn of any person, 
or thing. 

56. Fair go they, fair come they, and ay their heels 

hithermost. 
Originally apply'd to the fairies, about whom the vulgar 
Scots have strange stories and opinions. But now used when 
they speak of wicked and bad men, with whom they desire to 
have no concern or business. 

w Beat. * Miracle. r Irish. 



68 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

57. Fine feathers make fine birds. 

Ornament and dress will set out a person, who otherways 
would look but coarse. 

60. Fair maidens wear no purses. 

Spoken when young women offer to pay their clab in com- 
pany, which the Scots never allow. 

61. Fair hair has fool roots. 

AUedging that children of a fair complexion will be apt to 
be lousy. 

62. For fashion's sake, as dogs goes to the market. 
Spoken when we see people declare for a party, or make 

a profession, which we suppose they would not do, if it were 
not in vogue. 

63. Fair offer no cause of z feud. 

Spoken when one refuses what we proffer them, signifying 
that it was the effect of our good will, and ought to be taken 
as such. 

Eng. — He that bids me to meat wishes me to lire. 

64. Faint heart never won fair lady. 

Lat. — Certandum est, nulli veniunt sine marie triumphi ; 

Et nisi certanli nulla corona datur. 
Item. — Timidi nunquam staluere trophenm. 

65. Fair words break no bone : 
But foul words many a one. 

Solomon hath it, A soft answer turneth away wrath : but 
grievous words stirreth up anger. 

66. For want of a nail the shoe may be lost. 

I have seen this run out to a great length, .but the meaning 
is, that a little care, early bestowed, may prevent a great loss. 
Lat. — Elm quam levibus pereunt ingenlia causis. 

67. Fools a big houses and wise men buy them. 

I knew a gentleman buy 2000Z. worth of land, build a house 
upon it, and sell both house and land to pay the expences of 
his building. 

Eng. — He that buys a house ready wrought, 
Has many a pin and nail for nought. 

68. Fools make feasts and wise men eat them. 

This was once said to a great man in Scotland, upon his 
giving an entertainment. Who readily answerd, 

69. Wise men make proverbs and fools repeat them. 

70. Fire and water are good servants, but ill masters. 

z Enmity. a Build. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 69 

71. Fidlers wives, and gamesters ale,' are free to all 
men. 

The fidlers wives are brought in for the sake of the game- 
sters ale. Spoken when we are drinking what others hav« 
won at plav r . 

72. Fidlers, dogs, and flesh-flies, come to feasts nn- 

call'd. 
Fidlers for money, the flies for a sip, .and the dogs for a 
scrap. 

73. Fair and foolish, black and proud, 

Long and lazy, little and loud. 
A groundless proverb upon womens different statures and 
complexions. 
74- First come first serv'd. 

75. Fancy may kill or cure. 

There are many stories of the power of imagination to do 
good or evil, and, I am persuaded, the efficacy of these things 
that they call charms depend intirely upon it. 

76. Fat housekeepers make lean executors. 
Because they spend all in their life-lime. 

77. Fools are fain of nothing. 

Spoken when we see people much taken up with fair pro- 
mises, or improbable expectations.. 

78. Fish must swim thrice. 

Viz. Once in water, once in sauce, and once in drink. 

79. Fidler's fare ! meat, drink, and money. 

Spoken often when we have din'd with our friend, and after 
won some monej' from him at play. 

80. Fall on the * fayest, the beetle among the bairns. 
Spoken when we do a thing at venture, that may be good 

for some, and bad for another; and let the event fall upon the 
most unfortunate ; answers to the Euglish, Among you blind 
harpers. 

G. 

1. Give a bairn his will, and a whelp his fill, and none 

of these two will thrive. 
The whelp will be fat and lazy ; and the child will be per- 
verse and froward. 

2. God's bairn is a eith to b lear. 



y They that have the most signs of death. a Easy. 

Learn. 



70 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

A child endowed with grace and good nature will be easily 
taught. 

3. Great barkers are no biters. 

Great boasters are not always best performers. 
Eng. — Dogs that bark at distance, bite not at hand. 
Lat. —Canes timidi vehemenlius lalrant. 

4. Gold is good but it may be dear bought. 

Spoken when an extravagant price is ask'd for a good 
thing. 

Eng. — A man may buy gold too dear. 

5. Get a name to rise early, and you may lye all day. 
I would not have a man depend too much upon this pro- 
verb; for a good name is soon lost, and hardly to be re- 
triev'd. 

Eng. — He that once a good name gets, 
May piss a bed, and say he sweats. 

6. Classes and lasses are c bruckle wares. 
Both apt to fall, and both ruined by falling. 

7. Good enough has gotten a wise, and far better wants. 
Spoken when unworthy persons are prefer'd. 

8. God send you readier meat than running hares* 
Spoken to those who have improbable expectations. 

9. God help them that gets them with one, and brings 

them up with another. 
Occasioned by the miserable condition of those who have 
motherless orphans under the cruel care of a step-dame. 

10. Give a man luck, and cast him in the sea. 
Spoken when a man is unexpectedly fortunate. 
Lat. — Fortuna in omne re doininatnr. 

1 1. Give you an inch, and you'll take a span. 
Spoken to shameless intruders upon your good humour. 

12. God sends men cloth, according to their cold. 
God supports and supplies men, according to their circum- 
stances, stations, wants, and conditions. 

Lat. — Dens nunquam deest in necessariis. 

13. God send us some money, for they are little thought 

of that want it, quoth the Earl of Eglinton at his 
prayers. 

14. God keep ill geer out of my hands, for if my hands 
once get it, my heart will never part with it. 

The Earl of Eglinton turn'd off his chaplain, and said pub- 

c Brittle. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 71 

lick prayers in his own family ; where these two proverbs 
were two standing petitions. 

15. Gut no fish till you get them. 

Spoken to them who have pregnant expectations, and boast 
cf them as if they had them in possession. 
Eng. — All the craft is in the catching. 
Lat. — Ante vicloriam triumphnm ne canas. 

16. God send water in that well, that people thinks 
will never go dry. 

Spoken when our poor kin, and followers, are always ask- 
ing of us ; as if we should never be exhausted. 

17. Give over while the play is good. 

Spoken to those who are like to fall from jest to earnest. 
Also to those who are too wantonly jesting on you ; advising 
them to give over, lest they provoke you to make them a sur- 
lish return. 

18. Gentle d poddocks has long toes. 

Spoken to dissuade you from provoking persons of power 
and interest ; because they can reach you, though at a distance. 

1 9. Giff gaff makes good fellowship. 

Mutual obligations improve and contiuue friendship. 

20. Give you an use, and you'll cail't a custom. 
Spoken when they, who have before received kindnesses 

from us, importune for more, or when they who have been 
permitted to intrude upon our interest, would continue so 
to do. 

Eng. — An ill custom is like a good cake, better broken 
than kept. 

21. e Geily is sing f Wallowways brother. 

Spoken when we ask how a thing is done, and are answer- 
ed gaily, that is, indifferently, as if indifferent was next to bad. 

22. Give you meat, drink, and cloaths, and you'll beg 
work among your friends. 

Spoken to lazy lubbers, who love idleness belter than work. 

23. Gone is the goose, that the great eg^ laid. 

The man is dead who had the fund ; spoken when people 
expect that from us, which, by reason of some benefactor's 
death, we are disabled to give. 

24. God keep me from the man that has but one thing 

to mind. 
Because he will mind that thing to purpose. Spoken by 



d Frogs. e Indifferently. ' A word of lamentation. 



72 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

great men, when poor people importune them about some 
special interest, which they have at heart. 

25. Geer is easier gotten, than guided. 

It may be gotten by chance, or inheritance, but must b« 
guided by discretion. 

Lat. — Non minor est virtus, quam qujerere, parta fueri. 
Casus inest illic, hie erit artis opus. 

26. God send you the world you bode, and that's nei- 
ther hunger nor scant. 

Spoken when people speak magnificently, and liberally. 

27. God be with the good Laird of sr Bamagee, that 
took never more from a poor man than he had. 

Spoken when we have gotten all from poor debtors that 
they could give, though not all they owed. The Laird of 
Balmaghie was a good man, and look any thing from his te- 
nants that they could spare. 

28. God doth not measure men by inches. 
People of small stature may have stout hearts. 

29. Gentle servants are poor men's h hardship. 
Because the conceit of their birth, and b;ood, will make 

them despise and neglect your service. Spoken also by way 
of merry excuse when a gentleman proffers to do you some 
mean service. 

30. ' Good your ' common to kiss your k kimmcr. 
Spoken to them whom we see do service, or shew kindness 

to thetn, to whom they have great obligations. 

31. God help you to a l hutch, for you will never win 
to a m mealing. 

A disdainful repartee of a maid, to an unworthy courtier; 
meaning that he may be content with a meaner match. 

32. Good to fish in muddy waters. 

A cursed saying, of them who expect to find their private 
nleresls in the public disturbance. 

33. Good ale need no wisp. 

A wisp of straw stuck upon the top of a country bouse is a 
sign that ale is to be sold there : But if the ale be good, peo- 
ple will haunt the house, though there be none. Apply'd 
when we would signify that a thing, excellent in its self, need 
but little recommendation. Translated from the Latin. 

Vino venali non opus est suspensa hedera. 



o SpelPd Balmaghie. h Ruin. i You have great obliga- 
tions. k The pot companion. ' Collage. m Farm. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 73 

34. Good chear, and good cheap, makes many haunt 

the house. 
Eng. — Where men are well used, they'll frequent there. 

35. God's help is nearer than the fair even. 

God's immediate providence may sooner assist us, than any 
second causes, that we can propose. 

36. Good will should be taken for part payment. 
When people do their utmost to satisfy their debts, or re- 
pay kindnesses, it were a pity to urge them farther. 

37. God never sends the mouth, but the meat with it. 
Spoken to those that grudge their having many children. 

38. m Girn when ye bind, and laugh when ye lose. 
When people shew force and activity they grin : bind your 

sacks with care and cunning, and, at the journey's end, you 
will laugh to see them all safe. 

39. Give a carle your finger, and he'll take your whole 
hand. 

Suffer an unmannerly fellow to intrude upon you, and he 
will intrude more aud more. 

40. Good kail is half meat. 

Good broth will, in some measure, supply the want of bread. 

41. Give your own sea "maws your own fish guts. 

If you have any superfluities give them to your poor rela- 
tions, friends, or countrymen, rather than to others. 

42. Give a greedy man a great bone. 

Give a covetous man something that is bulky, although it 
be not so good. Spoken jocosely when we give a thing big 
in quantity, though coarse. 

43. Good forecast makes work easy. 

To forecast and contrive how a thing may be best done, and 
to lay in materials for the doing of it, is the way to make 
work go on apace. 

44. 'Gree like dogs. 

Ironically forbidding children to fall out about their meat. 
Like dogs that snarl about a bone, 
And play together when they have none. 

45. :• Gaunting bodes wanting, one of three, 

Meat, sleep, or good company. 
When people yawn they are either hungry, sleepy, or soli- 
tary. I have heard it more roguishly express'd. 



Grin. n Gulls. « Yawning. 



74 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

46. Get your spindle and Proke ready, and God will 

send you i tow. 
Use proper means, and depend upon God for the blessing. 

47. Gentry sent to the market will not buy a peck of 
meal. 

Spoken when a bare gentlewoman is proffered in marriage 
to the son of a wealthy yeoman. 

48. Go hop and hang your self, and then you'll die 
dancing. 

An impertinent ill-mannered by-word. 

49. G ape while you get it. 

Spoken to those who expect a thing without reason. 
Eng. — He that gapes till he be fed, 
May gape till he be dead. 
60. Great gains makes work easy. 

Be sure! and will make workmen nimble, and busy. 

51. Good memories have ill judgments. 

Spoken to them who call to mind a past thing, at an uj> 
seasonable time, or before improper company. 

52. Gar wood is ill to grow. 

A return to thein that say they will gar, that is, force you 
to do such a thing; as if they would find it a hard task. 

53. Go thy way, lad, and give thy wife nothing. 

An exclamation when we pretend to admire some silly sav- 
ing, or thing: and it will hit patter if the person has been 
boasting of what he did, or designs to do. 

54. Give a thing, and take a thing, 
Is the ill r man's s goud ring. 

A cant among children, when they demand a thing again, 
which they had bestowed . 

55. God send us something of our own when other folk 
goes to their meat. 

Spoken when we are disappointed of something that we 
would have borrowed. 

56. God send you more wit, and me more silver, for 
we have both need of it. 

Spoken when people propose, or say, what we think foolish 
and improper. 

57. God l sain your eye man. 

Spoken when you commend a thing without blessing it, 

p Distaff. * The coarse of flax. r The devil's. 
• Gold. 4 Bless. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 75 

xvhieh my countrymen cannot endure, thinking that-thereby 
you will give it the blink of an ill eye : a senselea^ but com- 
mon, conceit. If the person commending be an unworthy or 
inferior fellow, they will say, Dee'l be in yodr een, and a pic- 
kle salt togither. 

58. God send us all to do well, and then have hap to 
meet with " seil. 

A sort of discontented wish, when we are suspicious that 
some of us will not do well. 

69. Give a going man a drink, and a rising man a 
knock. 

If a man's occasions call him away from company, make 
him drink before he go : but if any rise up to breed a quar- 
rel, knock him down. 

60. Give it about, it will come to my father at last. 

A young fellow was sitting in company with his father, who, 
upon some provocation, gave him a blow ; who immediately 
gave his left hand man as much, and bad him give it about. 
Spoken when we would have some ill turn done to somebody, 
but not immediately by our self. 

61. Give my cousin kail v enow, 

And see my cousin's dish be w fow. 
A senseless ridicule of servants to a poor relation, when he 
comes to his rich friend's house. 

62. Gentlemen are wondrous scarce, when a webster 

gets a lady. 
Spoken when we hear that a man pretends to an unlikely 
and unequal courtship. 

63. x Gee ways, as * Geily pisb/d. 

A senseless bauble when a thing is crooked, or looks awry. 

64. God comes with leaden feet, but strikes with iron 
hands. 

Eng. — God is slow a coming, but strikes sure. 
Lat. — Raro antecedentem scelestem deseruit poena, pede 
claudo. 

65. God keep my tongue, for my tail vv as never z sicker. 
Intimating that you could say something, but that you 

think it better to hold your tongue. 

66. a Gaunting goes from man to man. 

Spoken when we do a foolish thing in imitation of others. 
Lat. — Oscitante uno, deinde oscitat et alter. 

Salvation. v Enough. w Full. x Toward one side.^ 
> A woman's name. z Sure, staunch. a Yawning; 
H2 



76 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

67. Give is a good man, but he is soon weary. 

Men are soon weary of always giving, and receiving »o 
return. Whereas giff gaff is good fellowship. 

68. Good to fetch sorrow to a sick wife. 
Spoken to them that stay long, when sent an errand. 

69- Guess'd work is the best, when it is right done. 

Because it saves the trouble of taking dimensions, but it is 
seldom well done. Spoken when a thing we did at a venture 
Lit right. 

70. God takes care of fools, and drunken men. 
Taken from the strange escapes that both these sort of peo- 
ple meet with. 

Eng. — Drunken people seldom take harm. 

71. Good reason, and part of cause. 

An ironical approbation of some foolish saying, action, or 
design. 

72. Greedy folk has long arms. 

People will make strange shifts, to get what they have a 
desire for. 

73. God puts his best jewels in his finest cabinets. 
As if handsome persons should have the greatest virtues. 

74. Give a strong thief a stark name. 

A ridicule upon the hard names that doctors give their re- 
medies, as if Album Graecum, and Radix graminis were some 
fine things. 

75. God keep the cats out of your way, for the hens 
can flie. 

Spoken with disdain to them that threaten what they will 
do, when we know they dare do nothing. 

76. God sends fools fortunes. 
Eng. — Fortune favours fools. 
Lat. — Fortuna favit fatuis. 

77. Good to be merry and wise. 

Spoken when people's mirth borders too much upon folly. 

78. Good wares make a quick market. 

79. Good watch prevents harm. 

Lat. — Satius est initiis mederi, quam fine. 

80. Give losing gamesters leave to talk. 

Suffer men who have had losses and wrongs, to express 
their resentments. 

81. God sends meat, and the dee'l cooks. 

A passionate expression, when our meat is ill dress'd. 

82. Good to begin well, better to end well. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 77 

83. Go to bed with the lamb, and rise with the b lave- 
rock. 

This proverb was notiuvented by a courtier, or a rake. 

84. Good words cost nothing. 

And therefore may be the freelier given. 

85. Great bodies move slowly. 

Spoken of the deliberations of parliaments, and other great 
assemblies, or in jest to them that go slowly on in their busi- 
ness. 

86. God help the poor, for the rich can help themselves* 

87. God help the rich, for the poor can beg. 

The first of these is spoken in case of famine or scarcity of 
bread. The second in case of publick disturbances. 

88. Give a dog an ill name, and he'll soon be hangM. 
Spoken of those who raise an ill name on a man on purpose 

to prevent his advancement. A cursed, but common, practice. 

89. Good folks are scarce, you'll take care of one. 
Spoken to those who carefully provide against ill weather, 

or cowardly shun dangers. 

90. Gray ey'd greedy, brown ey'd needy, black eye 

never c blirui, till it shame all its een d kin. 
Like the rest of the physiognomical observations, foolish, 
and groundless. 

91. Give her her will or she'll burst, quoth the good 
man when his wife was e dinging him. 

Spoken jocosely, upon wilful and perverse people. 

92. God's will be done ; but dee'i f bedrite the £ spee- 
man. 

Spoken when people predict ill things to us.. 

H. 

1. Help is good at all plays, but at meat. 

And very good there too, if the entertainer be hearty, and ; 
the table plentiful. 

2. h Hooly and fair, goes far in a day. 

Working constantly, though soberly, will dispatch a great 
deal of business. 

Eng. — Soft and fair goes far journeys. 



Lark. c Blind. d Kindred. e Beating. f Besbite. 
S Fortune-teller. h Softly, quietly. 
h3 



78 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Item. — He that goes softly, goes safely. 
Lat. — Da spatium, tenuemque inoram : male cuncta 
ministrat. 
Impetus. 

3. He that is ill to himself, will be good to no body. 

Qui sibi nequam, cui bonus? 

4. He lov'd mutton well, that lick'd where the ewe 

lay. 
Spoken to them, who will sip the bottom of a glass where 
good liquor was, or scrape a plate, after good meat. 

Eng. — He lov'd mutton well, tbat dip'd his bread in wool. 
Lat. — Cerle extrema linea amare, baud nihil est. 

5. He that never eat flesh, thinks a pudding a 

' dainteth. . 
A man not us'd to what is good, thinks much of what is 
indifferent. 

6. He that gets his geer before his wit, will be short 

while master of it. 
For want of sense and discretion to manage it. 
Eng. — A fool and his money is soon parled. 

7. Highest in court nearest the k widdie. 

Witness the fatal fall of many courtiers. 

8. Heis a good horse that never stumbled, 
And a better wife that never grumbled. 

Both so rare, that I never met with either ; from the Latin. 
Lat.— Bonus equus qui nunquam cespilet. 
Item. — Bonus quandoque dormitat homerus. 

9. Horses are good of all hues. 

Eng.- — A good horse never had an ill colour. 

10. He that counts all the pins in the plough, will 
never yoke her. 

11. He that counts all costs, will never put the plough 

in the J erd. 

Both these signify that he that forcasts all difficulties, that 
he may meet with in his business, will never set about it. 

Lat. — Quid tarn dextro pede concipis, ut te conatus non 
poeniteat. 

12. Hunger thou me, and I'll m harrie thee. 

If servants get not their meat honestly and decently, they 
will neglect their master's business, or embezzel his goods. 



* A fine bit. k Gallows. l Earth. » Ruin. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 79 

Lat. — Equus suo defraudatuspabulo.ignavus est. 

13. He that n speer.s all, gets but wit of part. 

A repulse to curious impertineuts, who are too busy at their 
questions. 

14. He that has a mickle nose, thinks every body is 
speaking of it. 

People that are sensible of their guilt, are always fall of 
suspicion. 

Lat. — Conscius ipse sibi, de se putat omnia dici. 

15. Hunger is good ° kitchin meat. 

The same with the English, Hunger is good sauce. Both 
from the Latin. 

Optimum condiomcntum fames. 

Lat. — Latrantem stomachum bene leviet, cUm sale, panis. 

16. He sleeps as dogs do, when wives bakes; or 

when wives sift meal. 
Apply'd to those who pretend to be asleep, or unconcern'd, 
who are all the while making their remarks. 

17. Hunger is hard for a heal maw. 

18. Hunger will break through hard stone walls. 
Eng. — Hungry dogs will eat dirty puddings. 
Lat.— Molestus interpellator venter. 

19. Hang him that has no shifts, and hang him that 

has too many. 
He that has no shift, is not worth hanging ; and he that 
has too many, may be hang'd in time. 

20. He is worth gold, that can win it. 

Spoken to them who grudge the thriving condition of some 
neighbour, his decent apparel, or plentiful estate. 

21. He that ows the cow, goes nearest her tail. 
Every man is busy, and careful, about his proper interest. 

22. He was the bee, that made the honey. 

Spoken when a man is dead, whose industry procurM what 
his family now enjoys. 

23. He that follows p freets, freets will follow him. 
He that notices superstitious observations (such as spilling 

of salt, Childermass day, and the like) it will fall to him ac- 
cordingly. 

Lat. — Multi ad fatum venere suum, dum fata timent. 

n Asks. ° Whatever eat witli bread, or take to make 

coarse meat go down, we call kitchin ; as butler to bread, 
and milk to stir about, &c. p Superstitious observations. 



80 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

24. He that hews above his head, may have the 

i speal fall in his eye. 
He thai aims at things above his power, may be ruined by 
Lis project. 

Lat. — Dum petit infirmis, minium snblimia pennis, 
Icarus, Icariis nimia fecit aquis. 

25. He that hath but one eye, must look well to 

that. 
Spoken when a man hath but one thing of a kind, and 
therefore shy to lend it. 

26. He that lives on hope, hath a slender diet. 
Lat. — Qui spe aluntur pendent, non vivunt. 

27. He's a r sory good man, that's no mist. 

The loss of the head of a family is considerable, be he 
never so mean. 

28. He that shews his purse, bribes the thief. 
The English say, Longs to be rid of it. 

29. He comes oftener 'with the rake, than the s sho'el. 
Spoken of a poor friend, whose business is not to give us, 

but to get from us. 

30. He may well swim that's held up by the chin^ 
Spoken of the thriving condition of those, who have some 

to support, assist, and raise them. 

31. He that sleeps with dogs, must rise with fleas. 

If you keep company with base and unworthy fellows, you 
will get some ill by them, or learn some ill from them. 

32. His life, but not his honour, feal'd. 
Spoken of those who bravely die in a good cause. 

33. He that will not be counsell'd, cannot be help'd. 
Spoken when your wholesome advice is rejected by a wil- 
ful, and obstinate man. Vis consilii expers mole ruit sua. 

34. He may ill run that cannot go. 

In vain he attempts an uneasy task, who is not equal to an 
easy one. 

35. He goes away in an ill time that never comes 
again. 

Spoken when we express our hope to see our friend, who is 
gone from us. 

36. He must rise early, that deceives the s tod. 
Spoken to those that think to out-wit a cunuing fellow. 

* Chip. r Poor. s Shovel. * Fox. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 81 

37. He that falls in the dirt, the longer he lies the 
fouler he is. 

Spoken to those who lie under a slander, urging them to 
get themselves clear'd as soon as they can. 

38. He that wrestles with a turd, fall he undermost or 
uppermost, he'll be sure to be bedirten. 

Intimating the folly of contending with vile, or mean per- 
sons, by whom no honour is to be gotten. 
Lat. — Demit honorem asmulus ajaci. 
Item. — Hoc scio pro certo, ego si cum stercore certo, 
Si vinco, aut vincor, certe ego maculor. 

39. He's well worth sorrow, that buys it with his 

silver. 
Spoken to them that have been at some pains, to incon- 
vene themselves. 

40. He that * lacks my mare, would buy my mare. 
Buyers commonly discommend what they have a mind to; 

apply'd when a man discommends a maid, whom he would 
gladly many, if he could get her. 

41. He that seeks trouble, it were a pity he should 
miss it. 

Spoken to, and of, quarrellers, who commonly come by the 
worst. 

42. Had I wist, quoth the fool, or, beware of had I 
wist. 

Spoken when people say, Had I wist what would have been 
the consequence of such an action, 1 had not done it. 
Lat.— Stulti est dicere non putarem.. 

43. He fells two dogs with one stone. 

Spoken when a man with one and the self same pains, 
effects two different businesses. 
Lat. — -Eadem fidelia duos parietes deal bare. 

44. He's a proud horse that will not bear his own 
u prowan. 

An excuse for doing our own business ourselves; and it 
hits patter, if it belong to our own trade, profession, or way 
of living. 

45. v Hae lad, and run lad. 

Give ready money for your service, and you will be sure 
to be well served. 



* Discommends. » Provender. v Here, take. 



82 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

46. Hand in use is father of w lear. 

Use in doing a thing acquires a habit, and that makes things 
be done easily, and readily. 
Lat. — Usus adjuvat arlem. 
Item.' — Fabricando fabrisimus. 
Item. — Solus & artifices qui juvat usus adest. 

47. He that has a dog of his own, may go to the kirk 
with a clean briest. 

48. He is well eased, that has ought of his own. 

He is best serv'd who has his own to do his own turn 
with. 

49. He that has a goose, will get a goose. 

A man that is wealthy, will be sure to get gifts, whereas he 
that is poor, will remain so. 

50. His wit got wings, and would have flown, 
But poverty did keep him down. 

Eng. — He would fain fly but he wants feathers. 

Lat. — Haud facile emergunt quorum virtutibus obstat. 
Res angusta domi. 

Item. — Saepe sub attrita, latitat sapientia, veste. 
61. x Hame is a * namely word. 

Eng. — -Home is seemlv, if it was never so homely. 

Item. — Belter dry bread at home, than roast meat abroad. 

Item.' — The smoke of my own house is better than the fire 
of another's. 

Lat. — Douius arnica, donius optima. 

Item. — Domi suae quilibet rex. 

52. He that's far from his geer, is near his z tinsel. 
A man may be soon wrong'd when his back is turn'd. 

53. He rode a sicker that never fell. 

A man has gone through the world with a strange even 
hand, that never committed a blunder. 

Eng. — It is a sound head that has not a soft piece in it. 
Liat. — Nemo omnibus horis sapit. 

54. Hall b binks are c sliddery. 
Great men's favour is uncertain. 
Lat. — Favor aulae incertus. 
Eng. — Hasty climb, suddain fall. 



w Learning. x Home. y Familiar, easy, pleasant, 

it differs from homely in the English, which is coarse. 
1 Loss. a Sure. b Benches. c Slippy. 






EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 83 

55. He's worth no well, can bide no wo. 

Eng. — He deserves not the sweet, that will not taste the 
soure. From llie Latin, 

Dalcia non meruit, qui non gustavit amara. 

56. He that d tboles overcomes. 

Lai. — Tandem patientia vincet. 

57. He that will not thole, must flit many a hole. 

58. He had need to have a heal e pow. 
That calls his neighbour nitty ' know. 

A man ought to be free of those faults that he throws up to 
others. 

Lat. — Qais tulerit Gracbos, de seditione querentes. 

59. s Hae will a deaf man hear. 

Lat — Allatoris adventus semper est gratus. 

60. Hap, and a half-penny, is world's geer enough. 
Lat. — Sifortuna volet, ties de rhetore consul. 

61. He hides his meat, and seeks more. 

Spoken when covetous people pretend poverty ; and con- 
ceal their wealth, to plead pity. 

62. He that deceives me once, shame fall him ; if he 
deceives me twice, shame fall me. 

It is my own blame if I trust a man again, that has deceived 
me once. 

63. He would not sup kail with him, unless he broke 
the dish on his head. 

A disdainful answer to them who compare our friend to 
some unworthy inferior fellow. 

Lat. — Indignus, qui illi matulam porrigat. 

64. He's free of fruit that wants an orchard. 
Spoken to them who tell how free and liberal they would 

be, if they had such things, or were such persons. 

65. He speaks in his drink, what he thought in his 
drouth. 

Eng. — What sobriety conceals, drunkenness reveals. 
Lat. — Quod in corde sobrii, inoie ebrii. 

66. He hears with his heels, as the geese do in har- 
vest • 

That is he heard, had he been pleased to answer. 

67. He that's feard of a fart, should never hear 
thunder. 



d Suffers patiently. * Head. % A little hill full of nits. 
6 Here take. 



84 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

68. He that's h redd for windle straws, should not pish 
in * lays. 

Spoken to those who are afraid of small, and far distant 
dangers. To the same purpose the English have several. As, 

He that's afraid of every grass should not piss in a meadow. 

He that's afraid of leaves should not come into a wood. 

He that's afraid of the wagging of feathers must keep from 
among wild-fowl. 

He that's afraid of wounds must keep from a battel. 

69. Hope holds up the head. 

Lat. — Vivere spe vidi, qui moriturus erat. 

70. He will not lye where he's slain. 

Spoken of timorous people, as if their corpse would flee 
from the place where they should be kill'd. 

71. He knows what side his bread is butter'd on. 
That is, he knows well where his interest lyes. 

72. He k tarrows early that tarrows on his kail. 

The Scots, for their first dish have broth (which they call 
kail) and their flesh-meat, boil'd or roasted, after. Spoken 
when men complain before they see the utmost that they will 
get. 

73. He that gets forgets, but he that gives thinks on. 
Spoken when you see a man, to whom you have been be- 
neficial, careless of your interest and concern. 

74. He will shoot higher that shoots at the moon, 
than he that shoots at the midding, though he 
never hit the mark. 

Spoken as an encouragement to noble designs and endea- 
vours. 

75. He was scarce of news that told his father was 
hang'd. 

Spoken to them that say something, that may tend to the 
disparagement of themselves, or family. 

76. Hair and hair makes the carles head bare. 
An estate may be ruined by small diminutions, 
Lat. — Paulatimeve illitnr cauda equina. 

77. He's very full in his own house, that may not pick 

a bone in his neighbours. 
An answer to him, who being bid to eat, excuses himself, 



h Fear'd. » Unploughed-land. k To tarrow is to com- 
plain of meat as if it was too little. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH, 85 

because he had eaten at home. Though I have heard it more 
voguishly apply'd. 

78. He's a wise bairn that kens his own father. 

If lie be a Scottish man, their law says, Pater est quem 
tiuplise monstrant. If English, let him but enquire, whether 
his mother's husband was within the four seas, when he was 
begotten ; and if he was, he is his father, though he had been 
in Cathness, and she in Cornwal at the same time. 

79. He streaks ' ream in my teeth. 

Spoken when we think one only flattering us, and not earn- 
est, nor sincere in what they pretend. 
Lat. — Os milii oblinit. 

80. He cares not whose bairn greet if his laugh. 
Spoken of selfish people, whose endeavours terminate upon, 

and center in, themselves. 

81. He that has one sheep in the flock, will like all 

the rest the better for it. 
Spoken when we have a son at such a school, university, 
army, or society, we will wish the prosperity of these re- 
spective bodies, upon his account. 

82. He's a silly man that can neither do good nor ill. 

83. He can do ill, and he may do good. 

Both used as a dissuasive from disobliging any, even the 
meanest, for sometime or other it may be in his power to do 
3'ou service, or disservice. 

84. He that marries a widow, and two daughters, has 

three back doors to his house. 
85^ He that marries a widow, and two daughters, 
marries three m stark thieves. 
Because his wife will put things away to them, or for them. 

86. He that has a wide " theim, had never a long- 

arm. 
Gluttonous people will not be liberal of their meat. 

87. He's a hawk of the right nest. 

He is like those he came of, always taken in an ill sense. 

88. He's a ° sarry cook that may not lick his own 

fingers. 
Apply'd satyrically to receivers, trustees, guardians, and 
other managers. Signifying that they will take a share of 
what is among their hands. 



1 Cream. » Errant> very. n G^ut. ° Poor, mean. 
i 



86 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

89. He that well bides well betides. 

He lliat waits patiently, may come to be well serv'd at last. 
Lat. — Habent parvje commoda magna morae. 

90. He left his money in his other breeks. 

A taunt to him that wants money to pay his reckoning. 

91. He's poor whom God hates. 

A surlish return to tliera who, tauntingly, call us poor. 

92. He eats the calf in the cow's belly. 

Apply'd to them wlio spend their rent before it be due. 
Eng. — He spends the Michaelmas rent in the midsummer 
moon. 

93. He's o'er-shot in his own bow. 
Eng. — He's beaten at his own weapon. 

94. He should be p sindle angry, that has few to 

i mease him. 
Eng. — He that has none to still him, may weep out his eyes. 

95. He that has a wife, has a master. 

He that's not sensible of the truth of this proverb, may 
blot it out, or pass it over. 

Eng. — He that has a fellow-ruler, has an over-ruler. 
Lat. - Vendes 

Hac obstante nihil, nihil, haec si nollet, emalar : 

Haec dabit afteclus. 

96. He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing. 

He is a young house-keeper, or very well furnished, who 
knows not this to be true. 

97. He's but Jock the laird's brother. 

Tl e Scottish lairds concern and zeal for the standing and 
continuance of their families, makes the provision for their 
younger sons very small. 

98. Hungry stewards wear many shoon. 

Because they bring so little at a time, they must go oft 
again for more. 

99. He that never rode never fell. 
Eug. — Nothing venture, nothing have. 

100. He that talks to himself speaks to a fool. 
Because none but fools will do so. 

101. He was wrap'd in his mother's sark tail. 

The Scots have a superstitious custom of receiving a child, 
when it comes to the world, in its mother's shift, if a male; 
believing that this usage will make him well-beloved among 

P Seldom. ^ Settle, please, still. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 87 

women. And when a man proves unfortunate that way, they 
will say, 

102. He was r kep'd in a board-cloth; he has some 
hap to his meat, but none to his wives. 

103. He that steals can hide. 

Yes, and forswear too, a discouragement to search stol'u: 
goods. 

104. He gets his kail in a s riven dish. 

Spoken of tliem who are not much regarded. For if his 
broth be put in a split dish, he will get little good of them. 

105. He that invented the ' maiden, first ■ hanseled it. 
Viz. James Earl of Morton, who had been for some years 

governour of Scotland: but was afterwards cruelly, and uu- 
justly, run down by a party, as many have been since. 
.Lat. — Nee lex est justior ulla. 

Quain neeis artifices arte perire sua. 

106. He that's not used to a sword, leaves't where 
he shites. 

Spoken when people, advanced above their former condi- 
tion, forget something proper to their station. 

107. He's no wise man who caunot play the fool by a 
time. 

Eng. — No man can play the fool so well as the wise man. 
Lat. — Misce consiliis stultiliam breveim 
Dulce est deciperem loco. 

108. He'll wag as the bush wags with him. 

That is, he will comply with all changes of times, and 
parties. 

109. He that will to v Cowper, will to Cowper. 

A rellection upon obstinate persons that will not be re- 
claim'd. 

1 10. He is gone out of the w Clieswell he w as made in. 
A reflection apon persons who perk up above their birthi 

and station. 

Eng. — The priest forgets that ever he was a clerk. 
Lat. — Majores nido pennas extendi t. 

111. He that would eat the fruit must climb the tree. 

112. He that would eat the kirnel must crack the nut, 
Eng. — No pains, no gains. 

Item. — No sweat, no sweet. 



r Received. 8 Split. * An engine to behead people. 
11 Got the first of it, v A town in Fife. w Cheese-fat. 
i 2 



88 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Lat — Nil sine magno vila labore detlit mortalibus. 

113. He has a sliddery gripe that has an eel by the 
tail. 

Spoken to them who have to do with cunning fellows, 
whom you can hardly bind sure enough. 

114. x Ha'd your hand, your father slew a y whaap. 

115. Henry Cherk never slew a man till he come at 
him. 

Both a ridicule upon them that threaten hard, and dare not 
execute. The last refers lo him who threatens an absent per- 
son. 

116. Had you such a shoe on every foot, you would 
z shochel. 

A scornful return of a woman to a fellow that calls her she, 
and not by her name : she and shove hath both the same ac- 
cent in Scotch. 

1 17. Hawnkering, and hinging on, is a poor trade. 
Spoken of the miserable condition of those who depend upon 

great men's promises, for places and preferments. 

Eng. — He that waits on another man's trencher eats many 
a late dinner. 

118. He that woos a maid, must come a simile in her 
sight. 

He that woos a widow must woo day and night. 
I know nothing either of the truth, or reason of this pro- 
verb : they have another to that purpose. 

119. How was Rome b bigged. 

An answer to them that ask how such a thing will be done, 
intimating, that time and industry will do any thing. 
130. Have you geer, have you none, c tine heart and 
all is gone. 

Spoken to dissuade people from desponding in any case. 

121. He that is first on the d midding, may sit where 
he will. 

He that comes first has commonly the best choice. 

122. e Hareships f sindle come single. 

Spoken when one hardship comes upon the back of another. 

123. e Heal sail is good sail. 



x Hold, y Curlew. z Shove your foot along. a Seldom. 
•? Built. c Lose. d Dunghill. e Misfortunes, 'Seldom: 
S Whole. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 89 

Ii is good merchandising when we can put off all our 
wares in one bulk. Spoken jocosely when we take all that is 
before as. 

124. He that strikes my dog, would strike myself if 
he durst. 

Spoken with resentment to them who injure any thing that 
belongs to us. The English say in a benign sense, Love me 
and love my dog. 

125. He that has not silver in his purse, should have 
silk on his tongiie. 

He that cannot pay his debts should at least give good 
words. 

126. He that cannot make sport, should mar none. 

127. He that's ill of his lodging, is well of his way- 
kenning. 

Spoken when I ask my neighbour a loan, and he tells me 
that he cannot, but such an one can. 

128. He never wrought a good h dark, that went 
grumbling about. 

129. Half acres bears good corn. 

Alluding to the half acre given to the herd, and commonly 
spoken in gaming, when we are but half as many as our an- 
tagonists. 

130. He was never pleased with his work, who said, 
Now, when he had done with it. 

Now, at the having done a thing, is a word of discontent. 

131. He has cowp'd the mickle dish into the little. 
The jest is in the different signification of the word cowp, 

which signifies to buy and sell grain, cattel, &c. and to turn 
one thing upon another. Spoken when people have fal'n be- 
hind in dealing. 

Eng. — He has brought his noble to nine pence, and his 
nine pence to nothing. 

Lat. — Ab equis ad asinos. 

132. He can say ' jo, and think it no. 

That is, he can pretend kindness, where he has none. 

133. He that drinks when he's no dry, will be dry 
when he gets no drink. 

134. He had need to be twice skill'd, and once ground, 
that deals with you. 



h Day's-work. > A word of flattery for joy. 
i 3 



QO SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken to cunning sharpers, as if yon would say, lie had 
need to be well vers'd in business that will deal with you, and 
not be over-reach'd. 

135. Hereafter comes not yet. 

136. Hearken to the hinder end of it. 

Both these are spoken when we suspect that such a project, 
or action, will hare an ill consequence. 

137. He that laughs when he's alone, will make sport 
in company. 

Intimating that such an one is a fool. 

138. He that's first up, is not always first serv'd. 
Eng. — Desert and reward seldom keep company. 

139. He has a hole under his nose that will never let 
him be k rough. 

140. He has some wit, but a fool has the guiding of it. 
It is known that wit and good sense may be separate. 

Spoken of them that have some flashes of wit, but want dis- 
cretion. 

141. He took the bog l aslent. 

I do not apprehend the expression, but the meaning is, he 
made his escape. 

142. He has left the key in the cat hole. 

143. He has left the key under the door. 

144. He has taken a moon light flitting. 

145. He has gone without taking his leave. 

146. I wot not what he has done with his tripes, but 
he has taken his heels. 

These five are only proverbial phrases, to signify that a man 
has run away for fear of his creditors : the last I heard only 
in Ireland, I suppose it is not used in Scotland. 

147. Had I fish was never good to eat mustard. 

An answer to them that say, Had I such a thing, I would 
do so, or so. 

148. He must have leave to speak, who cannot hold 
his tongue. 

Spoken against impertinent and indefatigable baublers. 

149. He that trusts to m bon ploughs, will have his 
land lye n lazy. 

150. He that is angry without a cause, must ° mease 
without amends. 

k Plentiful. ' Run it diagonal ways. m Borrowed. 
E Fallow. ? Settle. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 91 

151. He that eats while he brusts, will be the worse 
while he lives. 

A jocose return to them that urge us to eat. 

152. He that borrows and bigs, makes feasts and 
thigs, drinks and is no dry; none of these three 
are thrifty. 

153. He's a proud p tod that will not scrape his own 
hole. 

A reproof to them who refuse to do their own proper busi- 
ness, or an excuse in them that do it. 

154. He's o'er early up that is hang'd e're noon. 

A jest upon them that boast of their early rising, or an ex- 
cuse for them that lye long. 

155. He loves me for little, that hates me for nought. 
Spoken to those Avho are much displeased, upon a small 

provocation. 

156. He is not the fool that the fool is ; but the fool 
that with the fool deals. 

Spoken against wanton boys, when they are playing upon 
an ideot. 

157. He's a poor beggar that cannot go by one door. 
Spoken to them that threaten never to do you service. 

158. He's not the best i wrightthat casts the manyest 
r speals. 

A return of a man that wants children, to him that upbraids 
him with it. 

159. He that ill does, never good weens. 
Lat. — Malus suspicax. 

160. He that will not when he may, shall not when he 
will. 

i61. He that will not when he may, 
When he will he shall have nay. 
Both spoken who refused a good offer, and then would 
have it again. 

162. He will soon be a beggar, that cannot say nay. 
Because people will make a prey of his liberal temper. 

163. He had need of a long spoon that sups kail with 
the dee'l. 

He that has to do with wicked and false men, had need to 
be cautious, and on his guard. 



P Fox. 9 Carpenter. * Chips. 



92 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

164. He that f theiks his house with turds, will find 
more teachers than reachers. 

He that is eugagM in a difficult, and troublesome business, 
will have more to give him their advice, than their assistance. 

165. He that looks not e're he 4oup, will fall e're he 
wit. 

A man without reasonable caution will meet with unfore- 
seen inconveniences. 

Eng. — Who looks not before will find himself behind. 

166. Haste makes waste. 

The English is the reverse. Soft fire makes sweet malt. 
Lat. — Qui minium properat, serius absolvit. 

167. He that marries a u daw eats mickle dirt. 

168. He that marries e're he be wise, will die e're he 
thrive. 

For want of skill to manage a family, he will put himself 
so far behind, that he will not easily recover.. 

169. v Haind geer helps well. 
Eng. — A penny sav'd is a penny got. 

170. He that sits on a w stane, is twice x fain. 

That is, glad to sit down, because he is weary, and glad to 
rise, because the stone is hard. 

171. He that does his turn in time, sits half idle. 
"Because he is master of his business: 

172. He goes long bare foot that wears dead men's 
* shoon. 

Spoken to them who expect to be some man's heir, to get; 
his place, or wife, if he should die. 

173. Honesty is no pride. 

Spoken to them that go too careless in their dress; inti- 
mating, that it is no sign of pride to go decently. 

174. He that fishes before the net, long e're he fish get. 
Spoken to those who devour by expectation, what they have 

not in possession, for the fish are not gotten till the net be 
drawn ashore. 

175. He never tint a cow, that ? grat for a needle. 

It is a token that a man had never a great loss, who is im- 
moderately griev'd for a small one. 

Lat.' — Flagrantior aequo 

Non debet dolor esse viri, nee vulnere major. 

B Thatches. * Jump. u A slut. v Sav'd. » Stoue. 
* Glad. y Shoes, ? CryU 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 93 

176. He that Las no geer to tine, may have shines to 
pine. 

He that lias done a misdemeanour, if he be not able to pay 
a fine, may be put to corporal punishment. I have heard it 
pplv'd by covetous creditors, to their insolvent debtors; but 
if put in execution, it is vile, cruel, and ungodly. 

177. He sits fow still who has a riven breek. 

A man who is not very clamorous in his complaints, may lie 
under as great inconveniences as they that do. It took its rise 
from the Earl of Angus, who being in an engagement, and 
there wounded, stayed till all his men were drest, and then 
told them that he was wounded himself, by repeating this 
proverb. 
378. He that does bidding, serves no dinging. 

An apology, when we are told that we are doing a thing 
■wrong, intimating that we were bid to do so. 

179. He that blows best, bear away the horn. 

He that does best, shall have the reward and commendation. 
Lat. — Rex oris, si recte feceris. 

1 80. He is sorest 2 dung whom his own wand a dinglh. 
A man is worst punished, when he bears the effects of hi* 

own folly. 

181. He will never go well, for he was foundred in 
his feet. 

Taken from horses ; applied to them who have had an ill 
grounding in the beginning, whether in reading, or any other 
part of learning : where having laid the first foundation ill, 
the superstructure seldom proves firm, or solid. 

182. He is well h boden c there c benn, who will nei- 
ther borrow nor lend. 

A man must be well furnished indeed who needs not bor- 
row, and will not lend. 

Eng.— He may be contented, who needs neither borrow 
nor flatter. 

183. He that has a good crop, may be d doing with 
some thistles. 

If a man hath had a great deal of good conveniences, he 
may bear with some misfortunes. 

184. He that pays last never pays twice. 

Spoken in jest to one who is loth to pay his reckoning, as 
jf it was out of a principle of prudence. 

» Beaten. a Beats. b Furnished. c In his house. 
d Bears with, 



94 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

185. He is deaf on that side of his head. 

Spoken of those who ]ike not, and therefore take no notice 
of, jour proposals. 

1 86. He will not give an inch of his will, for a span of 
his thriest. 

Spoken of wilful and obstinate people, who will not comply 
with your most advantageous proposals, if contrary to their 
perverse humours. 

187. He may be trusted with a houseful of uubor'd 
mill-stones. 

That is, only with what he cannot carry away. 
Eng. — I'll trust him no farther than I can throw him. 

188. He can lie as fast as a dog can lick a dish. 

189. He is not so dast, as he lets on him. 

Spoken of knavish rogues, who pretend to be foolish when 
they have their interest in their eye. 

190. He has turn'd his cloak on the other shoulder. 
He has chang'd his side, party, or interest. The English 

say, He has turn'd cat i'the pan : the reason of which expres- 
sion I do not know. 

191. He's an Aberdeen's man, he may take his word 
again. 

I do net know the original of this proverb. The people of 
that city say. that we mistake it, that it had its rise from a 
merchant in Dantziek, who having been never cheated by an 
Aberdeen's man, said that he would take an Aberdeen's man's 
w r ord again ; but in the mean time, we may apply it to then* 
who deny what they have said. 

192. He stumbled at a straw, and leap'd o'er a bink. 
Spoken of them who are scrupulously doubtful about a small 

thing ; and yet have large consciences in things of a higher 
nature: who will not say faith or truth, and yet will not 
stand to defraud the king of his revenue, of which I kin>w 
many; like the pharisees, of whom our Saviour says, thai 
they strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 

1 93. H e's a meer e cutchin carle, for all his manly looks. 
Spoken of hectoring bullies, who look fierce, but )et are 

mere cowards at the bottom. 

194. He has one face to God, and another to the devil. 
Eng. — You carry two faces under one hood. 

Item — Laugh in my face, and cut my throat. 
Lat. — Aliorum medicus, ipse ulceribus scates. 

e Coward, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 95 

Lat. — Pelliculam vetereia retines, & fronie politus. 
Astulam vapido geras sub peclore vulpem. 

195. f Hae is half full. 

Having abundance makes peoples stomachs less sharp, and 
craving ; whereas the sense and apprehensions of want, make* 
people more anxious, and solicitous. 

196. He's a proud beggar that makes his own alius, 
Eng. — Beggars should not be chusers. 

197. Hanging goes by hap. 

Eng. — Marriage and hanging goes by destiny. 

198. He has't a kind, he & cost it not. 

Spoken when people take after their parents in ill things. 

199. He gave no green bailey for it. 
To the same purpose. 

200. He has '- fault of a wife, that marries ' mam's k pet. 
Maids that have been much imlulg'd by their mothers, and 

have had much of their will, seldom prove good wives. 

201. He was as hard with me, as if I had been the 
wild Scot of Galoway. 

That is, he dealt with me rigorously and severely. 

202. Happy is the wooing that's not long a doing. 
There are Scottish proverbs downright opposite to this. 

As, a hasty meeting, a hasty parting. I must own, that I 
have seldom seen an oft interrupted courtship, or a suddain 
match, prove comfortable, or prosperous. 

203. He that's ' shor'd to death, should have a fart for 
his dead bell. 

Spoken by stout men, when they are told of some man's 
threats, as if they were not much afraid. 

204. Had I as mickle black spice, as he thinks himself 
worth of mice-dirt, I would be the richest man 
of my kin. 

Spoken satyrically of proud beaus, whom we suspect to be 
highly conceited of their own worth. 

205. He was worse m flay'd than hurt. 

206. He kens his groats in other folks kail. 

Spoken of those who are sharp and sagacious in knowing 
their own. 

207. He will not give his bone to the dog. 

208. He will not give the head for the washing. 

f Here take. e Bought. h Need. • Mama's. 
k Darling. l Threatened. m Frightened. 



$6 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Both these spoken of sturdy people, who will not readily 
part with their interest, or be bullied out of it. 
309. He may grow better, but he cannot be worse. 

Spoken of them who are extremely wicked, or extremely 
sick. 

Eng. — If ever he alter it will be for the better, 

210. He may laugh that wins. 

Spoken when people laugh at your loss, or trouble, 
Lat. — Tu rides, at ego ringor. 

211. He rides with a sark tail in his teeth. 

Spoken when a new married man has been abroad, and 
makes haste home. 

212. He dare not say, Bo to your blanket* 
That is, he dare not offer you the least injury. 

213. He spoke to me as every word wo'd lift a dish. 
Thai is, with great storm, and sturdiness. 

214. He that spends his geer before he gets it, will 
get but little good of it. 

He that spends his rent before it be due, will always be 
needy and penurious. 

215. His purse and his palate are ill met. 
Spoken when a poor man loves to eat good meat. 

216. He that rides er'e he be ready, wants some of his 
grath. 

Appl v'd lo him who goes about a business without proper 
tools to accomplish it. 

217. Honesty keeps the crown of the n casway. 

An honest man has nothing to be asham'd of, and to cares 
not whom he meets. 

Eng. — Truth and oil are ever above. 
Lat. — Veritas non quasrit angulos. 

218. He that laughs at his own jest, mars all the mirth 
of it. 

219. Happy go lucky. 

That is, let the fortunate get the fortunate share. Spoken 
when people venture upon an uncerlain project. 
Eng. — Happy man be his dole. 

220. He came of the good, he cannot be ill. 
A commendation of the good sou of a good father. 
Lat. — Dos est magna parentum virtus. 

221 . He is not the happiest man that has the most geer. 
Worldly happiness requires manj other ingredients as well 

B Street. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 97 

as wealth, viz. Health, a good fame, a souud mind, and good 
relations: and, if any one of these be wanting, the whole 
composition is spoil'd. 

Lat. — Non possidenlem mnlta vocaveris recte beatum. 

222. He has an ill look among Iambs. 

Apply'd to wanton young fellows casting an eye to the 
girls ; alluding to a superstitious fancy among the Scots, that 
an ill eye may do harm; which opinion seems to be as old as 
Virgil, 

Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos. 

223. He is wise that is wary in time. 

That is, who foresees harm before it come, and provides 
against it. 

Eng. — Take heed is good read. 

224. He that gives all his geer to his bairns, 
Take np a beetle, and knock out his ° harns. 

Taken from the history of one John Bell, who having given 
his whole substance to his children, was by them neglected; 
after he died there was found in his chest a mallet with this 
inscription, 

I John Bell, leaves here a Pmell, the man to fell, 
Who gives all to his bairns, and keeps nothing to himsell. 
Eng. — He that gives his goods before he be dead, 
Take up a mallet and knock him on the head.' 
Item. — Keep your staff in your own hand. 

225. He will go to hell for the house profit. 
Spoken of them that will do any thing for gain. 
Lat. — Quocunque modo rem. 

226. i Heigh how is heavy some, 

An old wife is ' dowisome, 

And courtesy is cumbersome, 

To them that cannot shew it. 
The whole is for the sake of the last, viz. that people who 
are not used to good breeding, and mannerly behaviour, per- 
form it very untowardly. 

227. He could eat me s but salt. 

228. He loves no beef that grows on my bones. 
Both these signify that the man hates me vehemently. 

229. He that eats a boll of meal in bannocks, eats a 
peck of ashes. 

That sort of bread is bak'd in the ashes. 



Brains, P Maul. q An interjection of sorrow. 
r Tedious. B Without. 

K 



98 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

230. He has soon done that never l dought. 

Spoken of weakl y and feeble people, when they cannot per- 
form what they have taken in hand. 

231. He looked as if butter would not have melted 
in his mouth. 

Spoken of roguish fellows, who upon occasion, and design, 
look and speak demurely. 

232. Here conies John Black, and Gilbert Ram on 
his back. 

Spoken when we see black cloiids portending rain. 

233. He has the better end of the string. 
That is, he has the advantage in this cause. 

234. He shall either " girn. or man v fin. 

Spoken in case of slander, that he that uttered it, shall give 
his author, or be punished for it himself. 

235. He gave me whitings, w but bones. 

That is, he gave me fair words. The Scots call flatteries 
whitings, and flatterers while people. 

236. He would go a mile to flit a sow. 

Spoken of sauntring persons, who would take any pretence 
to go from their proper business. 

237. He that will not hear Mother Hood, shall hear 
Step-mother Hood. 

That is, they who will not be prevaiPd upon by fair means, 
shall meet with harsher treatment. 

238. He that is welcome fares well. 

An apology for giving to, or receiving from, a hearty friend, 
an ordinary entertainment. 

Lat. — Super omnia vultus accessere boni. 

239. Hotch, and help your self to get your bairns. 
A sensless answer to them that bids us help them. 

240. He that forsakes measure, measure forsakes him. 
That is, he who is immoderate in any thing, design, or ac- 
tion, shall meet with treatment accordingly. 

241. He that has two hoards, will get a thud. 

A man that has once got a stock, will find it an easy matter 
to encrease it. 

Lat. — Scilicet iniprobae crescunt diviliae. 

242. He that is born to be hang'd, will never be 
drown'd. 



Had ability. u Grin. v Fine. w Without. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 99 

Spoken when ill persons escape some imminent clanger, as 
if they ow'd their life to the gallows. 

243. Happy man, happy x kevel. 

Jocosely spoken when people are drawing lots, or when il 
has fain out well with us, or our friend.' 

244. Handle the pudding while it is hot. 

That is, set about a business with care, while the present 
opportunity offers. 

245. He's a weak horse that y dow not bear the 
saddle. 

Spoken to them who complain that they cannot wear such 
a weighty suit as is offered them. 

246. He lias wit at will, 

That with an angry heart can hold him still. 

247. He that shames let him be * shent. 

An old Scottish proverb not now used, scarcely under- 
stood > a wish that he who exposes his neighbour, may come 
to shame himself. 

248. He knows not a B by a bull's foot. 
That Is, he is illiterate. 

249. He who meddles with quarrels, gets the ridding 
stroke. 

Solomon says, He that meddles with a strife that belongs 
not to him, is as if he took a dog by the ears. 
Eng. He that blows iti the dust will fill his eyes. 

250. a Ha'ds a', quoth the herd's wife, kiss me first ; 
for I am farrest from home. 

A sensless bauble signifying no more so that Ave are all 
content. 

251. Here's to you all, b arse b o'er b head, as the moor- 
Dride drank to her maidens. 

A comical jooose saying when we drink to the whole com- 
pany. 

252. He is a sowter, who sits on your nose and drites 
in your mouth. 

A bitter reflection upon them that call a shoemaker Sowter, 
a word that they cannot abide. 

253. He + hinks himself no page's peer. 

That is, he thinks no body comparable to himself. 

254. Hell will never be full till you be in it. 

x Lot. y Is not able to. z Blam'd. » We are all 
content. b One with another. 

k % 



■ )f& 



100 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

A bitter reflection upon them who are covetous, or very 
malicious. 

255. He help'd me out at a dead lift. 

That is, he gave me a seasonable assistance in a proper 
time. 

256. He is old, and cold, and ill to lye beside. 
Spoken bj r a 3'oung maid, when jeer'd with an old man. 

257. He is neither so old, nor yet so cold, but you 
may heat your nose in his nether end. 

A satyrical return to the former proverb. 

258. c Hout your dogs, and bark your self. 

A sharp return to those that say, Hout, to us, which i* a 
word of contempt ; in Latin, apage ! 

259. d Hareship in the Highlands ; the hens in the 
corn, 

If the cocks go in it, will never be shorn. 

An ironical outcry upon a small loss. 

260. He would fain have a fool, that makes a fool of 
himself. 

261. He that has a full purse, never wanted a friend. 

262. He that ows the mare, ows the bear. 

Spoken when a man's own people, or caltel, do him harm. 

263. He that has a mind to strike a dog, will never 
want a stick. 

If a man resolves to do his neighbour a mischief, he will 
never want means to effect it. 

Eng. — To him that wills, ways will not be wanting. 

Lat. — Malefacere qui vult, nunquam non causam inveniet. 

264. He lay in bis scabbard, as many a good sword 
has done. 

That is, lay with his cloalhs on, did not strip and go to bed. 
26'5. His horse got a bite of a cold bridle. 
That is, got neither hay, nor oats. 

266. He'll get enough one day, when his mouth's full 
of e mools. 

Spoken of covetous people, who will never be satisfied 
while they are alive. 

267. He has feathered his nest, he may flye when he 
will. 



c A word used to dogs to make them give over barkinj 
4 Misfortune. e Earth, mould. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 101 

Spoken of them who ha?e had a good place so long, that 
they have gotten estates. 

268. He had a finger in the pye. 

That is, he had some concern in the matter as well as 

others. 

269. He vapours like a f tike in a tedder. 

A ridicule upon a swaggering, conceited young fellow. 

270. Happy is she who marries the son of a dead 
mother. 

There is rarely a good understanding between a daughter 
in law, and her husband's mother. 

Lat. — Desperanda tibi salva concordiasocru. 

271. He is cooling, and supping. 

That is, he has nothing, hut from hand to mouth. 

272. Honesty may be dear bought, but can never be 
an ill pennyworth. 

For it will be sure to make a man a gainer at the last. 
Lat. — Lselius, est quoties magno sibi constat, honeslum. 

273. He sits above that deals acres. 

An appeal to the Divine Providence, justice and omnisci- 
ence. 

274. Hang hunger, and drown drouth, let the dog 
lick the cat's mouth. 

Spoken jocoselv when we deal liberally. 

275. Hunting, and hawking, and paramours, 
For one joy, hath a hundred displeasures. 

This is in the old Scottish Collection, I have not heard it 
used. It signifies the mischief of unseasonable recreations, 
and unlawful pleasures. 

Eng. — He that steals honey, should beware of the sting. 

276. He is good that fail'd never. 

A persuasion to bear the neglects of a friend, who has on 
other occasions been beneficial to you. 

277. Hot love, hasty vengeance. 

The love that's too violent, will not last long. 
Lat. — Nihil vehemens durabile. 

278. Heard you the crack that that gave. 

Spoken when we hear an empty boast, or a notorious lye. 

279. He that gives all, would give nothing. 

When we ask a share of what one has, if they give us all, 
we alledge that it was in a pet, and with a grudge. 

f An old dog. 



102 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

280. He'll not get leave to snoke where she pishes. 
Spoken will) disdain, when it is said such a man is courting" 

such a woman, mud) his superior. 

281. He that spends his geer upon a whore, 
Both shame, and skathe, he must endure. 

282. He is wise that knows when he's well enough-. 
That is a pitch of wisdom to Which few attain. 

283. His old hrass will buy you a new pan. 

An encouragement to a young woman to marry an old 
wealthy man: because his riches will get her a new husband, 
when lie shall dye. 

284. Ha'd your feet s luckied addie, old folk are not 
h feery. 

A foolish bauble when people stumble. 

285. He never said an ill word, nor did a good thing. 
Spoken of people who do not want sense, but are ill ma- 
nagers. 

286. Hopers go to hell. 

Spoken when they, whom we are reproving for their care- 
lessness, and negligence, say they hope to do well enough. 
Eng. — Hell is full of good meanings and good wishes. 

287. He's well away, if he bides. 

Spoken when we are glad to be quit of an ill man's com- 
pany. 

288. How came you and I to be so great. 
Spoken when our inferiors are too familiar with us. 

289. How by your self, burn'd be the mark. 

The Scots when they compare person to person, or limb to 
limb, will say, Blist be the mark. This is spoken when other 
people throws up to us, what we think agrees better to them- 
selves, and, instead of the blessing, add this imprecation. 

290. He that refuses a groat for a crack, a horse for a 
start, or a wife for a fart, will never be well 
monied, well horsed, or well wived. 

If a man will buy or have nothing but what is free from all 
imperfection, he must want. 

291. He got his mother's " malison, that day. 
Spoken of him that has got an ill wife. 

292. He will never send you away with a sore heart. 
Spoken of those who are ready at their promises, but slow 

in their performance. 

S Grandfather. h Nimble. > Curse, maledictiou. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 103 

293. He will get the poor man's answer. 

That is, a flat denial ; spoken when it is said that such a 
man will court a woman, whom we suspect he will not get. 

294. He that's angry, is k sindle at ease. 

His impatient temper keeps him always on the fret. 

295. He that loves law, will get his fill of it. 

For such are sure of two things, an uneas} r life, and a 
broken fortune. 

296. Humph, quoth the dee'l, when he clip'd the sow, 
A great cry, and little ' woo. 

Spoken of great pretences, and small performances. 
Lat. — Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. 

297. He'll let nothing go to the m odd for want of 
looking after it. 

Spoken of scraping, careful people. 

298. He that marries a maiden, marries a pokeful of 
pleasure, 

299. He that marries a widow, marries a pokeful of 
n pleas sure. 

These two are always joined together, and are a dissuasive 
from marrying a widow, because she is often involved in law- 
suits. 

300. Here to day, and away to morrow. 

Intimating the uncertainty of mortal life, and indeed of all 
sublunary things. 

301. He owes me a day's shearing, the longest in 
harvest. 

Spoken of one to whom I have done a signal good turn. 

302. Had it come iu yxmr arse, you would have gone 
to the midding with it. 

Spoken in anger to them, who, being ask'd why they did, 
or said such a tiring, say, it came in my head. 

303. He will think his breeks a burthen. 

That is, he will be heartily wearied wilh such a thing. 

304. He that has gold may buy land. 
Lat. — Polentes potenter agunt. 

305. He's a gentle horse that never ° cust his rider. 
He is a good servant that never disobliged his master. 

300. Had you been in the midding, you would not 
have seen that. 



k Seldom. • Wool. ™ Be lost. n Law-suits. ° Threw. 



104 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken with resentment when people say they saw such or 
snch a thing, that was undecent. 

307. He that spcers all opinions comes ill speed. 
Because their different advices will confuse, and distract 

him. 

308. He that forecasts all perrels, will win no worship. 
Because he will be frightened from any noble attempt. 

309. He is but p daft that has to do, and spares for 
every speech. 

These three last (as several others in this book^ are taken 
out of an ingenious Scottish book, call'd, The Cherry and the 
Slae ; a book so commonly known to Scottish men, that a 
great share of it passes for proverbs. It is written in native 
genuine Scotch, and, to them who understand it, very fine and 
taking. 

310. He's a fool that marries his wife at i Yule. 

For when the corn's to sheer, the bairns to bear. 
If a woman be got with child in Christmas, it is like that 
she may lye in in harvest, the throngest time of the year. 

311. He gives no other milk. 

An answer to them that say vou work your horse too sore , 
since his work is all that you will get of him. 

312. He owes a pudding to the r glade. 

Spoken of a poor weak beast which we suspect to be a 
dying. 
,313. He is gone to seek his father's sword. 

Spoken of idle vagrants who go a travelling without any 
good or worthy design. 

314. He has nothing to crave at my hand. 
Eng. — I have, as good as I got. 

Lat. — Par pari retuli. 

315. Here the geer, but where's the money. 

A proverbial exclamation, upon the shewing of any fine 
thing. 

316. He that knows what will be cheap, or dear, 
Need not be a merchant, but for a year. 

Because in that year he will gain enough. Spoken of the 
uncertainty of prices, and markets. 

317. He that liveth well, liveth long. 
Because he has altaiu'd all the ends of living. 

p Foolish. 1 Christmas. r Kile. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 105 

Lat. — Ampliat aelatis spaliura sibi vir bonus, hoc est, vi- 
Vere bis, vita posse priore frui. 

318. He is lifeless that's faultless. 
Lat. — Nemo sine crimirie vivit. 

I tern . — Nam vitiis nemo sine nascitiir. 

319. He was never a good s aver, that * flung at the 
u brod. 

Spoken to them who spurn at reproof, or correction, whom 
Solomon calls brutish. 

320. He that will cheat in play, will not be honest in 
earnest. 

Eng. — Fair is fair, work or play. 

321. He that does you an ill turn, will never forgive 
you. 

The sense and conscience of his injustice, or unkindness, 
will make him still jealous of you, and so hate you. 

322. He that may not as he will, must do as he may. 

Lat. — Ut quimus, quando ut volumus non licet. 

323. He that is mann'd with boys, and hors'd with 
colts, will have his meat eaten, and his work un- 
done. 

Because the boy will neglect his business, and the horse 
, will throw him. 

"324. He that's not handsome at twenty, strong at 
thirty, wise at forty, rich at fifty, will never be 
handsome, strong 1 , wise, or rich. 
I have pass'd all these terms, and have never yet had any 
of these qualifications. De me conclamatum est. 
32q. He that looks with one eye, and winks with 
another, 
I will not believe him, though he was my brother. 
If the man naturally squint, my countrymen have an aver- 
sion to him, and all who have any thing disagreeable, if he 
wink, or nod, they look upon him to be a false man. 

326. Half a word to a wise man. 
Lat.- — Verbum sapienti sat est. 

327. He's a fool that forgets himself. 
Lat. — Qui sibi nequam cui bonus? 

328. He's a wise man who 

When he's well, can hold him so. 

9 Work-horse. t Winched. u Goad. 



106 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

There are not many such men, for the mind of man is in- 
satiable, either of wealth, or honour. 

329. He * gangs early to beg, that cannot say nay. 
Because men will make a prey of his liberal disposition. 

330. He begs of them that borrowed of him. 

Spoken of the man who by his liberal, or squandering tem- 
per, has ruined his estate. 

331. He has mickle prayer, but little devotion. 
Spoken of I hose men who make great pretences to reli- 
gion, but shew little of it in their practice, of whom I have 
known many. 

332. 'He has an eye in his neck. 
Spoken of wary and cautious people. 

333. Help, for help in harvest. 

That is, help me now, and I will help you on your throng- 
est occasions. 

334. He sees an inch before his nose. 
That is, he is a wary and cautious man. 

335. He must needs run, whom the devil drives. 

336. Hens are free of horse corn. 

Spoken of those who are free of what is not their own. 

337. He that counts w but his hostess, counts twice. 
For men reckon their debts neither so many, nor so great, 

as really they are. 

Lat. — Non respondet opinioni calculus. 

338. His heart is in his hose. 
Lut. — Cor in genua cecidit. 

339. Happy the son, whose father goes to the devil. 
Intimating that great estates are gotten by usury, or other 

ill arts. 

Lat. — Omnis dives, aut iniquus est, aut iniqui heeres. 

340. He that hath his hand in the lyon's mouth, must 
take it out as well as he can. 

He that is under the distress of a severe person, must ex- 
tricate himself as well as he is able. 

341. He has gotten the boot, and the better horse. 
That is, he has gotten the advautage in the exchange. 
Lat. — Diomedes cum glauco permutavit. 

342. He that once gets his fingers in the mud, can 
hardly get them out again. 



* Goes. * Without, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 107 

Spoken of them who take a humour to building. 

343. He may find fault that cannot mend. 
Lat. — Carpet citius, aliquis, quain imitabitur. 

344. He that does evil, hates the light.— Scripture. 

345. He that speaks the thing he should not, shall 
hear the thing he would not. 

Lat. — Si pergat ea quae vult dicere, qua? non vult audiet. 

346. He is not a merchant bare, 

That hath either money, worth, or ware. 
A good merchant may want ready money. 

347. He has his nose in every man's turd. 
Eng. — He has an oar in every boat. 

348. He woos for cake and pudding. 

Spoken when people pretend courtship, to promote another 
interest. 

349. He counts his half-penny good silver. 
That is, he thinks much of himself with little reason. 

359. He that's born under a thrippenny planet, will 
never be worth a groat. 

351. He is a wise man who 
Can make a friend of a foe. 

352. He would fain be forward if he wist how. 
Spoken of pert aspiring fellows. 

353. He that wears black must carry a brush on his 
back. 

354. His arse makes buttons. 

Spoken of him who is in a terrible fright, or as they say, 
Dirt flaj'd. 

355. He that plays more than he sees, forfeits his eyes. 
An excuse for over-looking au advantage at game. 

356. He that buys laud, buys stones ; 
He that buys beef, buys bones ; 
He that buys nuts, buys shells ; 

He that buys good ale, buys nought else. 

357. He is poor that cannot promise. 

358. He put it out of my eye, and into my arse. 
That is, he conceal'd it out of my sight, but apply'd it to 

my profit; spoken when servants steal corn to feed their mas- 
ters horse, or such like, 

359. He that sells wares for words, must live by the 
loss. 

Spoken when a man refuses to sell a trust. 



108 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

360. He has spur metal in bim. 

361. He's of a * earie temper. 

Both spoken of those who are soft and lazy. 

362. He that ki.-sses his wife at the market cross, will 
have many to teach him. 

Spoken when peop.e are officiously instructing- us in doing 
what we are about. 

363. He is upon his high horse. 
Spoken when people fall into a passion. 

364. He has more wit in his little finger, than you 
have in your whole hand. 

365. He plays least in sight. 

Taken from a game at cards so calJ'd, that is he keeps him- 
self conceal'd. 

366. He looks like a wild cat out of a bush. 
Spoken of him that looks fiercely and with anger. 

367. He got the knights bene off" her. 
Intimating that he debauch'd her before she was married. 

368. He look'd to me like the far end of a French 
fiddle. 

That is, with disdain and contempt. 

369. He is gone off at the nail. 

Taken from scissors when the two sides go asunder, means 
that he is gone out of all bounds of reason. 

370. Ha'd your hands off other folks bairns, till you 
get some of your own. 

Spoken by a girl, when a young man offers to teaze her. 

371. He'll be a man before his mother. 
Spoken to ill grown children. 

372. He never lies, but when the y hollen is green. 
Meaning that lie lies at all times. 

373. Have a care of the cattel. 

An ironical caution upon a feign'd danger. 

374. He has broken his face on the 2 ambry. 
Spoken of bluff, fat cheek'd boys. 

375. He is dead now, and it is better for me to eat of 
him, than lie on him. 

Intimating that it is a heinous sin to tell a lie of a dead 
man, who cannot vindicate himself. 

Lat. — Cummortui non mordent, iniquum est ut mordeanlur. 
Item. — De mortuis, & absentibus, nil nisi bonnm. 

x Soft like flummery. y Holly. z Cup-board. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 109 

376. He wats not whether he bears the earth, or the 
earth him. 

Spoken of excessive proud people. 

377. He'll put o'er the borrowing days. 

Spoken upon some hopes of our sick friend's recovery ; 
taken from weak caltel, who if they outlive' the first nine days 
of April, we hope they will not die. 

378. He's no steel to the back. 

An allusion to iron tools, and signifies either that he is 
not thoroughly honest in his behaviour, or not firm in his 
health. 

379. He that has an ill wife should eat mickle but'er. 
The jest is in the identity of the pronunciation of butter 

and but her, that is, without her. 

380. He rides not ay when he saddles his horse. 
Spoken of them who make great pretences to haste, but yet 

linger long enough. 

381. He'll pish i'the wisp. 

I do not know the ground, or reason of the phrase : but it 
signifies that such an one will not thrive in that trade, busi- 
ness, or office that they have taken in hand. And answers to 
the English, He'll come home by weeping cross. 

382. He has left his pack in Weakfield (Wakefield). 
This is apply'd to those youths whom we send to England, 

to be pedlars, when they come home broken. 

383. He has swallowed a the. 

Spoken of sots who are always drunk, as if there was a fly 
in their throat which they endeavoured to wash down. 

I. 

1. It is good to have our 3 coag out, when it rains 

kail. 
It is good to be in the way when things are a going. 
Eng. — It is good to make hay while the sun shines. 

2. If you will not take what I will give you, take 

what you brought with you. 
You brought nothing with you, so take what I give you, 
or want. 

3. If you was as skitterfull as you are scornful, you 

would b file the whole house. 
A bitter return to those who are too liberal of their taunts. 

a Dish. b Dirty. 



110 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

4. Ill won, ill c ward, 
Eng. — 111 gotten ill spent. 

Lat. — Male part a male dilabuntur. 

5. Ill doers, ill d deemers. 

6. He tbat ill did, never good e ween'd. 

Both these are very well exnress'd in that excellent Eng- 
lish proverb, The old woman had never songht her daughter 
in the oven, if she had not been there herself. 

Lat. — Qui sibi male conseii, alios suspicantur. 

7. Ill will never spoke well. 

When people are known to have an aversion to any per- 
son, or parly, what they say of them, mu3t be received with 
some abatement. Or as we' say, Cum grano salis. 

Eng. — Where love fails we spy all faults. 

8. It is a sore f duug bairn, that may not e greet. 
They are under great awe, that may not complain. 

Spoken when people take it ill, that we dare to complain of 
their hard, and severe usage. 

i>. 1 have seen more snow on one h dike, than now 
on seven. 
Spoken when people say they have seen things cheaper, 
dearer, better, or otherways : intimating that things, times, 
prices and seasons, are liable to change. 

10. It is a tale of two drinks. 

It is a thing that requires deliberation; at least as long as 
the glass may go twice about. 

11. If you be not ill, be not ill like ; 

If you steal not my kail, break not my dike. 
Eng. — He that would no evil do, 

Musi do nought that's like thereto. 

12. It is ill to be eall'd a thief, and ay found § piking. 
It is ill to have a bad name, and often found in a suspicious 

place, or posture. 

Eng — A dog that licks ashes, trust him not with meal. 

13. If I cannot k kep goose, I'll k kep goslin. 

If I cannot work my revenge upon the principal author of 
my injury, 1 will upon his children, relations^ or friends. 

14. It is good to have two strings to one's bow. 
Eng. — Two anchors are good, as I have been told, 

Jf one anchor breaks, the other may hold. 

c Laid out. d Suspeclers. e Thought,, believed, sup- 
posed. f Beaten. & Cry. h Ditch. « Picking. k Catch. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. Ill 

15. It is too late to spare, when the bottom is bare. 
Lat —Sera est in fando parsimonia. 

16. It is ill hailing before cripples. 

It is hard to put tricks upon- them, who are- as well vers'd 
in these things as yourself. 

17. It's an ill pack that's no worth the custom. 

It is a bad tiring that is not worth any small pains, or cost 
that it may require. 

Eng. — Forsake not the market for the toll. 

18. I will never drite in my bonnet, and set it on my 

head. 
I will never make a whore of the woman that I resolve to 
marry, or marry iLe woman I -have made a whore of. 

19. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. 

20. It is ill 1 kitchin that keeps the bread away. 

We may make the best of what we have, though not all we 
wish for: as if one should say, I have bread to give you, but 
nothing to eat with, it ? We auswer, Let us have the bread 
however. 

21. It is fair, before the wren's door, where there is 

nothing within. 
An answer to them who tell us that their house or doors are 
not clean enough, as if we should say you have children, cat- 
tel, and things going out and in. 

22. If one sheep m loup o'er the n dike, all the rest will 
follow. 

Shewing the influence of evil example. 

23. If you had been another, I would have denied you 

at the first word. 
Jocosely spoken when we give a flat denial. 

24. I wish you had drunk water,, when you drank that 
soup drink. 

Spoken when people say something out of the way ; upon 
a jocose supposition that they are drunk, or they would not 
say so ; sometimes they will say, 

25. I wish you wist what you said. 

Frig. — I wish you had never said that word. 

26. It is ill to bring out of the flesh, that is bred in the 

hone. 
It is hard to leave those ill customs to which we have been 
long inured. 

1 Any thing that we eat with bread. m Jump. D Ditnli. 



112 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Lat. — Difficile est relinquere, quibus diu assueveris. 

27. If you call me scabbed, I'll call you scal'd. 
Lat. — Dixerii insanum qui me totidem audiet. 

28. It is a true dream, that is seen waking. 

It is easy to guess what appears plain and evident. 

29. If I cannot do by might, I'll do by slight. 

■ If I dare not attack my enemy openly, I'll do him an injury 
in a private and clandestine way. 

Lat. — Ingenio pallet, cui vim natara negavit. 

30. I am o'er old a cat, to draw a straw before my nose. 
That is, I am too old to be imposed upon. A young cat will 

jump at a straw drawn before ber, but not an old one ; no- 
thing being more playful than a young cat, and nothing more 
dull than an old one. 

Eng. — Old birds will not be taken with chaff. 

31. It is ° tint that is done to old men and bairns. 
For the old men will die, and the children forget. 
Lat. — In senem beneficium ne contuleris. 

32. It is well said, but who will bell the cat. 

The nobility of Scotland entered into a conspiracy against 
one Spence, the favourite of King James the 3d. It was pro~ 
posed to go in a body to Stirling, to take Spence and hang 
him, and then to offer their service to the king as his natural 
counsellors. The Lord Gray says, It is well said, but who 
will bell the cat; alluding to the fable of the mice proposing 
to put a bell about the cat's neck, that they might be apprised 
of her coming. The Earl of Angus answered, I will bell the 
cat ; .which he effected, and was ever after call'd Archibald 
bell the Cat. The proverb is us'd when a thing of great dif- 
ficulty is propos'd. 

33. If you can spend much, put the more to the fire. 
That is, if you have a great income spend accordingly. 

Some have it, Put the more to the fore, that is, lay up the 
more, and do accordingly. 

34. It is a p sary hen that cannot scrape to one «* burd. 
Spoken of them that have but one child to provide for. 

35. It is a p sary flock, where the ewe bears the bell. 
It is a bad house where the wife commands. Though there 

are some such houses in the world. 

36. I would not take a bite of his- bed strow, for the 

love of his person. 
A saucy answer of a maid, when told of a sweetheart whom 
she pretends to contemn. 

Lost. P Poor. <J Chicken. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 113 

37. It is good baking beside meal. 

That is, People maydo well enough, when they have some 
to uphold and supply them. 

38. If it will be no better, it is well that it is no worse. 
Lat. — Est quoddam prodire lenus, si non datur ultra. 
Item. — Coutenti simus hoc catone. 

39. It is a sary brewing, that's no good in the r newing. 
Spoken when people are much taken with new projects. 

40. It is well 8 hain'd, that is 8 hain'd off the belly. 
Spoken by them who are more fond of fine cloaths than 

good meat ; as also, by penurious saving people, who are 
pleas'd how savingly they can put by a meal. 

41. It is little of God's might, to make a poor man a 

knight. 
Lat. — Si forluna volet ; fies, de vhetore, consul. 

42. It is an ill bargain, where no man wins. 
Lat. — Flet victor, victus interiit. 

43. I have given a stick to break my head. 

Hen patior telis, vulnera facta, meis-. 

44. I have other tow on my 'roke. 
Eng. —I have other fish to fry. 

45. If one will not, another will ; the u morn's the mar- 

ket day. 

46. If one will not, another will ; so are all' maidens 

married. 
The world was never so dull, but if one will not another will. . 
Lat. — Invenies alium, si te fastidit Alexis. 

47. I'll sell my lad, quoth v Livistone : I'll buy't, quoth 

v Bamagee. 
If a man have a good pennyworth to sell, he will still find 
a buyer. 

£ j. I will say nothing, but I will w yerk at the thinking. 
49. I will keep my mind to my self, and tell my tale to 

the wind. 
60. I will do as Mackissock's cow did, I'll think more 

than I'll say. 
These three are to the same purpose, and signify that I will, 
at present, conceal my resentments ; but 1 will watch an op- 
portunity for retaliation. 

r When it is new. s Sav'd. * Distaff. u To-morrow. 

v The title of two lairds, the last is spell'd Balmaghie. 

w Be busy. 

l3 



114 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Lat. — Manet alia mente repostum.. 

51. I have a good bow, but it is in the castle. 
Spoken to them who say that they have a tiling very proper 

for that business, but it is not at hand. 
Eng. — All is not at hand that helps. 

52. It is ill to take breeks off a bare arse. 
Eng. — Where nothing is, nothing is to be had. 
Lat. — Quid quaeso ernpias undo. 

53. It is needless to bid a wood man run. 

Spoken when people urge us to hasten, when we are doing 
all that we can. 

Lat. — In planitiera. equum provocas. 

54. I like his room, better than his company. 

55. Iteith crying x Yule, under another man's stool. 
The words are hardly sense ; but it is spoken when we see 

peopie spend liberally, what is not their own. 

56. I know your meaning by your mumping. 

I know by your motions and gestures what you would be 
at, and what you design. 

Lat. — Nutis sigaisque loquunlur. 

57. If marriages be made in heaven, some had few 
friends there. 

An answer of him that has an ill wife, to them who say, 
Marriages are made in heaven. 

58. I wo'd be very loth, and y scant of cloth, to sole my 

z hose with dockans. 

59. I will never a lout so Meagh, and lift so little. 

60. I had better kail in my c coag, and never gave 
them a catch. 

These three last are returns of a haughty maid, to them that 
tell her of an unworthy suitor. The latter alludes to an art 
among the Scottish reapers, who, if their broth be too hot, 
can throw them up into the air, as they turn pancakes, with- 
out losing one drop of them. 

61. I cannot sit, and run, and pish, and gather d spea'.s. 
Spoken when we are bid to do many things at onee. 

Lat. — Simul sorbere, & flare, est difficile. 
Item. — Non omnia possumus omnes. a- 

62. If the doctor cures, the sun sees it ; but n he kills, 
the earth hides it. 



Christmas. > Scarce. z Stockings. '• * Stoop. 
* Low. c Dish. d Chips. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 115 

Spoken to dissuade ignorant people from quacking, because 
they cannot kill with license, as doctors may. 

63. It will be a good fire when it burns, quoth the tod 

when he pish'd on the ice. 
Nothing but a ridicule upon a bad fire. . 

64. It's a bare e moor that you'll go o'er, and no get 

f prick to your f blanket. 
Spoken of getting, scraping fellows, who will be making 
something of ever}- thing. 

65. It is long to Lammas. 

Spoken in jest, when we forget to lay down bread at the 
table, as if we had done it designedly, because it will be long 
e'er new bread come. 

66. If you take my fair daughter, take her foul tail. 

If you get some great advantage, take some small inconve* 
niences that may attend it. 

67. If it will not be a good shoe, let it go down i'the heel. 
If a thing would not do as you would have it, do the next 

best with it 

68. If you had all the wit in the world, fools wo'd 

s fell you. 
Spoken disdainfully, to them that think themselves very wise. 

69. If the lad go to the well against his will, 
Either the cann will break, or the water will spill. 

Spoken when people mismanage a business, that they were 
forc'd to go about against their mind. 

70. It is ill to waken sleeping dogs. 

It is foolish to stir up a quarrel, that lias been long forgot ; 
or provoke a person, to whom you are not a match. 
Lat. — Irrilare canem noli dormire volentem. 

71. If the laird slight the lady, so will all the kitchin 
boys. 

If people despise their own, so will other persons. 

72. I will never put the carle above the gentleman. 
Spoken when we offer ale to them that have been drinking 

claret. 

73. It is a poor kin, that has neither whore nor thief 
in it. 

74. It is a sary wood, that has never a withered bough 

in it. 

e Heath. f A bodkin to pin jour cloth about you, 
S Knock you down. 



116 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Both these spoken when some of our relations, who have 
done an ill thing 1 , is cast in our teeth. 

75. It is a h some ' reek, where Ite good wife k dings 

the good man. 
A man in my country coming out of his iiouse with tears 
on his cheeks, was ask'd the occasion; he said, There was a 
soure reek in the house; but, upon farther inquiry, it was 
found that his wife had beaten him 

76. It is a sore ' field, where all is slain. 

Spoken when we have something remaining, after a great loss. 

77. If strokes he good to give Ihey are good to get. 
Spoken to those whom we beat for beating of others. 

78. If you brew well, you'll drink the better. 

If what \ou have done be good, and right, you will find the 
effects accordingly. 

Eng. — Hot sup, hot swallow. 

Item. — Kverv biid must hatch its own egg; 

Item. — Even as you brew, so let you bake. 

Lat. — Tute hoc in tristi, tibi onme exedendum est. 

79. Ill hearing makes wrong rehearsing. 

Spoken when we hear one give a wrong account of a matter 
of fact. 

Eng. — Misunderstanding brings lies to the town. 

Eat. — Judicium reddit verum, narratio vera. 
60. It is a good poor man's blade, it will bow e're it 
break. 

Spoken commonly of ail ill-tempered knife, that will stand 
as it is bent, or the like. 

81. Ill bairns are best heard at home. 

A discouragement to extravagant boys, who are fond of 
travelling. 

Lat. — Faelix qui propriis, sevum transegit, in arvis, 
Ipsa domus puerum, quern vidit, ipsa senem. 

82. I'll take no more of your counsel, than I think 
mete for me. 

An answer lo them that advise in jest. 
83- It may betrue that some men say; but it must 
be true that all men say. 

84. It is not the cowl that makes the frier. , 
Lat. — Cuculla non facit monachumj 

85. It is fair in hall, where beards wag all. 

h Bitter. * Smoke. k Beats. J Battel. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 117 

Spoken when we give a share of what is going to every 
body, that all ma}' eat alike. 

S6. If you love me, m kythe that. 

If you have a value for me, shew it by y.onr deeds. When 
one professeth kindness for another, he will answer, What 
says the bird ? alledging that there is a bird whose note is 
Kythe that. 

Eng. — He is my friend who grinds at my mill. 

87. It is a " thrawn fac'd bairn that is gotten against 

the father's will. 
Kindness extorted comes always with an ill grace. 

88. If you be angry, °claw your p weime. 

89. If you be angry, sit * leagh and r mease you. 
Both these spoken to them whose anger we value not. 
Eng.— If you be angry, turn the buckle of your belt behind. 

90. I brought him off the moor for God's sake, and he 

begins to bite the bairns. 

Spoken when they whom we have supported make unhand- 
some and unthankful returns. 

Ens:. — He has brought up a bird to pick out his eyes. 

Item. — Put a snake in your bosom, and it will sting when 
It is warm 

91. I'll make a shift, as Macwhid did with the preach- 

ing. 
Alexander Macwhid was a knowing countryman, and a 
great stickler for the king and church, in the time of the late 
anarchy. At the Restoration, clergymen being scarce, Bishop 
Taylor ask'd him if he thought he could preach ; he answered 
that he could make a shift ; upon which he was ordain'd, and 
got a small living near Lisburn. The proverb is spoken when 
we promise to do as well as we can. 

92. s Juck, and let a 'jaw go o'er you. 
That is, prudently yield to a present torrent. 

Lat. — Is sapiens, qui se ad casus accommodat omnes. 

93. It was never ill said, that was not ill " ta'n. 
Intimating that we had no ill design in what we said, only 

the man took it ill. 

94. It is good to be sure, quoth the miller, when he 

v moultered twice. 

m Make it appear. n Distorted. ° Scratch. P Belly. 
4 Low. r Settle. s Down with your head. l A wave, 
u Taken. v Took the took 



118 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Eng, — He that leaves certainty and sticks to chance,. 
When the fool pipes, he shall dance. 

95. It's a w sary col lop that's got off a capon. 
One cannot take much where there is but little. 

96. I'll serve you all with oue met vessel. 

Thai is, I'll serve }ou all alike, or rather I will give nothing 
to any of yon. 

97. It is no siu to sell dear, but a sin to give ill mea- 

sure. 
When you sell the buyers are on their guard, but measures 
and weights are left to 30111- conscience. 

98. It is no more sin to see a woman greet, than to 

see a goose go barefoot. 
Eng. — A woman laughs when she can, and cries when she 
will. 

JLat. — Uberibus semper lachrymis, semperque paralis. 
In statione sua, atque expectantibus illain, 
Quo jubeat inanare modo. 

99. It's a good goose that's ay dropping. 

It is a good friend that is always giving ; spoken to dis- 
suade us from too much importuning a friend. 

100. Ill gotten goods will not enrich the third heir.. 
Eng. — III gotten goods seldom prosper. 

Lat. — De male quisitis non gaudet tertius haeres. 

101. I'll get a better x lorspeaker than you, for nought. 
Spoken to them whom we expected to favour us, and yet 

appear against us, and our interest. 

Eng. — You are good to help a lame dog o'er a stile. 

102. If it be a fault, it is no ? farlie. 

Spoken in excuse for doing a thing, bad indeed, but com- 
mon, and usual. 

103. It is a good sport that fills the bell}'. 

Spoken when people eat heartily, and pretend to be in jest. 
Though 1 have heard it more roguishly apply'd. 

104. I have lick'd my self clean. 

Spoken when one has managed a bad bargain, so as not to 
lose by it. 

105. It is a shame to eat the cow, and z worry on the 
tail. 

It is a shame to perform a great task all but a little, and 
then give over. 

Lat. — Turpe, devorato bove, est haerere in cauda. 

m Poor. x Advocate, proctor. 7 Miracle. x Cboak. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH* 119 

106: It is a good world, if it hold. 

Spoken to them who take their ease and pleasure now 
without respect to their future condition. 

107. It is a good world, but they are ill that are on't. 

The word world is sometimes taken for the universe, and 
sometimes for mankind • in the first sense it is good, in the 
second bad. 

108. It is a eith to learn you a good use. 

109. It is eith to learn the cat to the b kirn. 
Lat. — Rei malae consuetudo pessima. 

110. If any man c speer at you, you may say you wat 
not. 

A sharp return to a curious asker. 

111. It is an ill wind that blows good to no body. 
Things that are bad in general, may be good to some ia 

particular. 

Eng. — It is an ill air where nothing is to be gain'd. 

112. If you touch dirt, it will stick to your fingers. 
A dissuasive from medling with vile or mean persons. 

113. I'll ,l wad a turd against jour tongue ; I care not 
whether I win, or lose. 

A sarcastical answer to him who impertinently offers to lay 
wagers. 

114. I thought all my meal dough. 

I thought all my pains ill bestowed. Spoken when we are 
disappointed of our expectation. 
Lat. — Pro thesauro carbones. 

115. I had rather my bannock should burn, than you 
should turn it. 

Spoken to those, whose intermediing with our business we 
think not for our profit; sometimes when a service is prof- 
fered which we think not proper to be accepted. 

1 16. I will not make a toil of a pleasure, quoth the 
good man, when he buried his wife. 

A man going under his wife's head to the grave, was bid 
go faster, because the way was long, and the day short ; an- 
swered, I will not make a toil of a pleasure. 

117. Ireland will be your hinder end. 

Foreboding that he will steal, and go to Ireland to escape 
justice. 

118. It is by the head that the cow gives the milk. 

a Easy. > Chnrn. * Ask. * Wager. 



120 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Every thing is able for its business, as it is kep't. 

119. If you had stuck a knife to my heart, it would 
not have bled. 

Intimating that the thing was a great surprize. 

120. If you would be a merchant fine, 
Beware of old horse, herring, and wine. 

Old horses will «iie, herrings stink, and wine sonre ; but 
the whole is for the sake of the first } the second and third 
has made many a rich merchant. 

121. Ill weed waxeth well. 
Eng. — 111 weeds grow apace. 

122. It is good to be good in your time, for you wat 
not how long it will last. 

Spoken to those who are now in credit, power, and au- 
thority; that they should not be proud, or insolent; for they 
may meet with a change. 

123. I would not fother you for your muck. 
That is, all you do is not worth your keeping. 

124. It is hard to make an old mare leave e flinging. 
It is hard to reclaim those, who have been long and ha- 
bitually wicked. 

125. I ken by my f coag, who milks my cow. 
Spoken by a woman who is jealous of her husband. 

126. It may come in an hour, that will not come in 
a year. 

Lat. — Plus enim fati valet hora benigni, 

Quamsi te veneris coiamendet epistola Marti. 

127. I wish it may come through you like & tags 
e otscate. 

128. I wish it be the first sight you see. 

129. I wish it may do you as much good, as grass 
does dogs. 

These three are ridiculous imprecations to them who have 
eaten something that we design'd for our self. 

130. If I come, I must bring a stool with me. 

An answer to them who desires you to come where you are 
not invited. 

131. It is a sin to put foul hands on it. 
Spoken of some fine clean thing, commonly in jest. 

132. I would have something to look to on Sunday. 

133. I would have my eye full. 

e Kicking. f Pail. I The rumps of ray. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. PSI 

Bot*. these spoken when we complain of one's wife, or hus- 
band, that they are not big, comely, or sightly. 

134. I cannot believe you, you speak so fair. 
Spoken when people promise us what they are not likely 

to perforin. 

135. I'll make a rope of h draff hold you. 

Signifying that he has no great mind to go away. 

136. It is ill to bring ' butt, that's no there * benn. 

One cannot produce what he has not. 

137. It sets not a haggish to be roasted, for burning 
of the bag. 

High stations become not mean persons, for they will mis- 
behave in them. 

Eng. — The higher the ape goes, the more he shews his tail. 

138. I have seen as full a haggish toom'd on the 
midding. 

Spoken, with great resentment, to wealthy people, who are 
insolent and purse-proud. I have seen as rich people brought 
to poverty. 

139. It is hard to sit in Rome, and strive against the 
pope. 

It is foolish to strive wilh our governours, landlords, or 
those under whose distress Ave are. 

Eng. — He that draws his sword against his prince, must 
throw away the scabbard. 

HO. If you sell your purse to your wife, give your 
breeks into the bargain. 
For if your wife command your purse, she will certainly 
have the mastery in every thing else. 

141. I will never k cast k off k me, before 1 1 go 1 ly. 
I will not give my good6 away before my death. 

142. I wish you was a laird of your word. 

A common expression, when we wish that what they say 
would prove true: 1 wish you a laird on that condition. 

143. If he be old, he has the more wit. 

An apology for marrying an old man, but a very lame one. 

144. 1 wish you lamb in your m lair ; as many a good 
ew has done. 

145. I hope your early rising will do you no barm. 

h Grains. » Butt is towards the door : benu is into the 
house. k Strip ray self. • * Go to bed. m The place 
where you lye. 

M 



122 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Both spoken to those who 1 ve too long a bed. 

146. Ill " deem'd half bang'd. 

A man that is vehemently suspected, will soon be found 
goilty. 

Eng. — One man had better steal a horse, than another look 
over a hedge. 

147. If she serve me to live with, she may serve you 
to look at. 

An answer to them that discommend oar wife, but may be 
appIyM to any thing else that we have. 

148. I had rather go by his door, than o'er his grave. 
Nothing but a wish that our sick friend should recover. 

149. If it had been a wolf, it would have worried you. 
Spoken when one hath, to no purpose, sought a thing, that 

was afterwards found hard by them. 

Eng. If it had been a bear it would have bit you. 

150. I have good broad shoulders. 

I can bear all the calumnies that you can load me with. 

151. If the dee'l be laird, you'll be tenant 
Eng.- — If the dee'l be vicar, you'll be clerk. 
Spoken of trimmers, turn-coats, and time-servers. 

152. Ill layers up make many thieves. 

Eng. — How can the cat help it if the maid be a fool. 

Item. — Opportunity makes the thief. 

Lat. — Oceusione duntaxat opus improbitali. 

153. It is good fighting under a bucklar. 
The meaning is roguish, the English say, 
Eng. — It is safe taking a shive of a cut loaf. 

154. It is good walking with a horse in one's hand. 

It is good when a man of any art, trade, or profession, has 
an estate to support him, if these should fail. 

155. It is something to be ° sub to a good estate. 
Because at the long run it may fall to as. 

156. If it get you with bairn, I'll father it. 

Spoken to nrge a modest girl to take a glass of wine, or any 
such thing. 

157. It. is a sin to lye on the dee'l. 

His wrong to call bad people worse than they are. 
Eng. — Give the devil his due. 

158. It is no time to p stoup when the head's off. 



a Suspected. ° Akin. I' Bow down yourself lo esrape 
what is thrown at you. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 123 

That is, care, wariness, and saving, is to no purpose when 
h)[ is gone. 

159. If ever I get his cart <i whemling, I'll give it a 
r putt. 

If I get him at a disadvantage, I'll take my revenge on 
him. 

160. It is kindly the poke s sa're of the herring. 

It is no uncommon thing to see children take after their 
parents. Always meant in ill things. 
Eng. — Like father, like son. 
Lat. — Crimina nostra sequiintur a nobis geniti. 

161. It is dear bought honey, that's lick'd off a thorn. 
Spoken of the ill effect of uulawful pleasures. 

Eng. — Sweet meat has soure sauce. 

Item. — If you steal the honey, take a care of the sting. 

I. at. — Vina, venusque nocent. 

162. It is not long since louse bore l langett, no won- 
der she fall and break her neck. 

Spoken when one has suddenly started op to a high sta- 
tion, and behaves himself saucily in it. 

163. It is no play where one greets, and another 
laughs. 

Spoken when a patrimony is unequally divided. 

164. It is no u tint, a friend gets. 

165. I never sat on your coat tail. 
That is, I never spent at your cost. 

166. It goes as much into my heart as my heel. 
Spoken with disdain, signifying that what is said or done 

does not affect us in the least. 

167. It is v well v war'd that w wasters want geer. 

168. It is no sin to see wasters want. 

Both spoken when we see them in need, who have squan- 
der'd their patrimony. 

169. If ever you make a good pudding, I'll eat the 
x prick. 

That is, I am much mistaken if ever you do good. 

170. If you wanted me, and your meat, you would 
want one good friend. 

Facetiously meaning by, the one good friend, his meat. 

n Overturning. * A push, a thrust. 6 Savour, smell. 
* A rope or chain to bind a horse's fore foot to his hind on«i 
u Lost. r But just. » Spendthrifts. * Skiv«r, 

M 2 



324 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

171 . Ill flesh was never good * bruise. 

Signifying thai ill natnred people seldom do a good thing : 
the Scots call an ill natured boy ill flesb. 

Eng. — Of evil grain no good seed can come. 

172. I wat how the world wags, 

He is best belov'd that has most bags. 
Lat. — Et genus, & forniam regina pecania donai. 

173. It is ill your kytes 2 common. 

That is, 1 have deservM of you, because 1 have often &IYA 
your belly. 

174. I am not so blind, as I am blear ey'd. 

I may think il proper to hold my tongue, but yet I e*« 
very well observe how things go. 

175. I'll never live poor, to die rich. 

Eng. — 1 had rather die a beggar, than live a beggar. 
Lat. — Cum furor baud dubins est, cum sit manifests 
phrenesis, 
TJt locuples moriare, egenti vivere fato. 

176. If a man be once down, down with him. 

If fortune frown upon a man, his friends will lessen, and his 
enemies multiply. 

Eur.— If a man once fall, all will tread upon him. 

Lat. — Vulgus sequitur fortunam ut semper & odit dam- 
natos. 

177. It was never for nothing that the cat lick'd the 
stone. 

178. It was never for nothing the a gled whistled. 
People who officiously offer their service, may be suspected 

to have some selfish end in it. 

Eng. — The cat knows whose lips she licks. 

179. It is gone I lovM you for. 

Jocosely spoken by girls to their courtiers, when they have 
had any loss or disaster. 

180. It is good to fear the worst, the bestwili be the 
w el comer. 

Fearing the worst will make us careful, and cautious; and 
if things succeed better than we expected, the surprise will be 
pleasant. 

Lai. — Grata superveniet quae non sperabitur bora. 

y Broth. z 111 your common, or good your common is 
ihere lies great obligations on you to do so, or other ways. 
a Kite. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 125 

181. It shall not be for your ease, and honour both. 
Spoken when we threaten to make a thing done in opposi- 
tion to us, either uneasy, or disgraceful to the authors. This 
does not come up to the English, Honour and ease are sel- 
dom bed-fellows. 

182. I wish I could put my finger, where you can put 
your whole hand. 

Intimating that they had much money. 

183. It is ill medling between the bark and the rind. 
It is a troublesome and thankless office to concern our» 

selves in the jars, and ont-falls of near relations, as man and 
wife, parents and children, &c. 

184. It was but their cloaths that b cast out. 

That is, the quarrel was not real, but only with design, in 
order to accomplish some end. 

185. If you will tell your secret to your servant, yon 
have made him your master. 

For having that hawnk over you he will be saucy. 
Lat. — Charus erit verri, qui verrem, tempore quo vult, , 
Accusare potest. 

186. If you laugh at your own sport, the company 
will laugh at you. 

187. If your errand come my gate, you shall be as 
well serv'd. 

Either a promise, or a threatening, but rather the last. 

188. I once gave a dog c handsel, and he was' hang'd 
e'er night. 

Jocosely spoken to them who ask us handsel, that is, the 
first money for such a parcel. 

189. Ill comes often upon worse back. 
Spoken when one misfortune succeeds another. 

190. I never lik'd a dry bargain. 

Spoken when people that are about a bargain, propose to - 
take a glass of ale. 

Lat. — Venalia, sine vino, expediri non possunt. 

191. Lara speaking of hay, and you of horse corn. 

Spoken when people answer cross purposes. 

Lat. — Ego de alliis loquor, lu de caepis respondes. 

192. It's a sary mouse that has but one hole. 
Eng. — The mouse that has but one hole is soon taken. 
Lat. — Uni cubili non fidit mus. 



* Fell out, at variance. * The first bit in the morning, 
u 3 






126 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

1 93. If a lye had worried you, you had been dead long 
since. 

194. If that had been the first lye you had told, I 
could have charm'd you. 

It is alleg'd that when people take the falling sickness the 
first time, tiiat some charm may be'apply'd to them, that will 
hinder them to lake it again : jocosely pretending tbat if you 
had catcli'd him when he told his firsl lie, you could have ap- 
ply'd a charm to him that would have hindered him to have 
told another ; but that his many lies put a stop to that. 

195. I know he'll come, by his long tarrying. 
Jocosely, as if his long slay was a token that he would 

come jit last. 

196. It is time to rise, if you be clean under you. 
That is, if you have not beshit the bed ; for in tbat case 

you would be ashamed to rise. 

197. If all be well, d I*s be e wyteless. 

Spoken with a suspicion that all will not be well, and if so, 
I have no hand in it. 

198. It is ill to make a silk purse of a sow's ear. 

199. ll is ill to make a f blawer horn of atod^-tail. 
Both signify, that one cannot make fine work out of bad 

materials. 

Eng. — Every block will not be a bedstead. 
Lat. — rEx. quo* is ligno non fit Mercurius. 

200. I ken him as well as I had gone up through him, 
and down through him, with a light candle. 

201. I ken it as well, as fill e bayer kens her stake. 
Eng. — I know him as well as the beggar knows his dish. 
Lat. — Ego te intus, & in cute novi. 

202. I'll ken him, by a black sheep, hereafter. 
Spoken with indignation, of one that has deceived me, and 

whom I will not trust again. 

203. I'll never keep a dog and bark myself. 
If I keep servants, they shall do my work for me. 

204. It sets you well to h slaver, you let such * gaadys 
fall. 

Ironically signifying that what he is saying, or doing, is 
too assuming for him. 



d I will "be. < Blameless. i Blowing. 8 A cow's na»e. 
> Slabber. j Hauka. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 127 

205. I had no mind I was married, my briddal was so 
fectless. 

The thing was of so small importance, that I never once 
thought of it. 

206. I will not lye in my own dish. 

I will not sav I have gotten meat when I have not. 

207. I'll tell the k bourd, but not the body. 

I will tell you the story, but not name the person. 
Eng. — I'll name no names. 

208. I had rather my friend should think me l framet, 
than m fashious. 

Lat. — Malim in hanc peccai e partem, ut desiderer, quam 
ut obtundam. 

Eng. — Better be unmannerly, than troublesome. 

209. If I live another year, I'll call this year n tarn 
year. 

That is, I will order my affairs so, that the next year shall 
appear quite another year. 

Lat. — Semper agricola, in novum annum, dives. 

210. I had but little butter, and I cast that on the 
coal. 

That is, the little thing I had, I mismanaged. 
Eng. — I threw the helve after the hatchet. 
Lat. — Post omnia perdere naulum. 

211. It is time enough to cry, Oh, when you are hurt. 

Spoken to dissuade people from groundless fears. 

212. I have a cold coal to blow at. 

Spoken after some great loss, or disappointment of expec- 
tation. 

213. It is God that feeds the crows, 
That neither tils, harrows, nor sows. 

214. 1 have brought an ill comb to my own bead. 
Thai is, I have engag'd myself in a troublesome business. 
Eng. — I have brought an old house on my head. 

215. It is an ill cause that none dare speak in. 
Eng. — It is a bad cloth that will take no colour. 

216. I will not go about the bush with you. 

That is, I'll tell you my mind freely, without fear, flattery, 
«cr circumlocution. Always said in anger. 



k Jest, story. ' Strange. ° Troublesome. 

*. Last year. 



128 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

217. I never lov'd 'bout gates, quoth the good wife, 
when she ° harl'd the good man o'er the fire. 

The second part is added only to make it comical; it sig- 
nifies no more, but I always lov'd plain dealing. 

218. It is good that mends. 

Spoken when we hear that a person, or thing, is better, or 
does better. 

219. If you had as little money, as you have manners, 
you would be the poorest man of your kin. 

Spoken to wealthy people, when they behave themselves 
rudely, haughtily, or insolently 

220. It is a world that will not give us a bitt, and a 
brat. 

If a man be honest and industrious, lie can hardly miss food 
and raiment. 

221. 1 cannot sell the cow, and sup the milk. 
Eng. — I cannot eat my cake, and have iny cake. 

222. I scorn to make my mouth my arse. 

Spoken with indignation to them who would have ns deny 
what we have said. 

223. It is not the way to p grip a * burd, to cast your 
bonnet at her. 

A vile, malicious proverb, persuading to conceal yoar re- 
sentment, 'till a proper time of revenge offer, lest your ene- 
mies, being appriz'd of your design, arm against you. 

224. Ill to take, and eith to tire. 

Apply'd to horses, alledging them to be jades who are hard 
to be catch'd. 

225. Til never brew drink, and r treat drinkers. 

I will not be at the pains to procure such, and sueh 
things, and then to urge them upon people against their 
wills. 

226. I never lov'd meat that crow'd in my 8 crop. 
Spoken when people have done you service, and afterwards 

upbraid you with it. 

227. It would be a good sight for a blind man to see. 
Spoken with contempt, when we despise any person, or 

thing, which we were ask'd if we had seen. 



« Trail d. P Catch. * Bird. * Jntoeat, urge, 

'«c. • Craw. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH, 129 

'2*28. It would have done a blind man good, to have 
seen it. 

Spoken to the same purpose, bat more jocosely. 
'i'29. I bake no bread by your shins. 

1 do not understand the phrase, but it means, I get no 
advantage by you. 

230. I think more of the sight, than the l farlie. 
Spoken disdainfully, when you are ask'd if you saw such a 

person, or thing, or what you thought of him, or it : I was 
better pleas'd that I had ray eyes to see it, than any pleasure 
I had in seeing of it. 

231. I care not whether the Mod ? worrie the goose, 
or the goose the tod. 

Spoken when two people are contending, whom we equally 
wader value. 

Eng. — For my peck of malt set the kiln on fire. 

232. I will speak, to my lord about your business. 
A sensless saying, when we see a thing past remedy. 

233. I think more of your kindness than it is all 
worth. 

Spoken with resentment, to them who have neglected oar 
business. 

234. In harvest time, lairds are labourers. 

Spoken to urge them to work in harvest, who perhaps think 
it below -them. 

Eng. — They must hunger in winter, that will not work in 
harvest. 

235. It is come to mickle, but it's no come to that. 
Spoken when we reject the proffer of a mean service, match, 

or business, we are not come so low as that yet. 

236. If you will not hold him, he'll do't all. 

Spoken ironically, when we suspect the person not so ear- 
nest upon the business, as he pretends. 

237. I'll make the mantle meet for the man. 
That is, I'll pay you according as you serve me. 

238. It will make a w bra "show, in a y landward 
kirk. 

A jest upon a girl when we see her fond of a new suit. 

* Wonder. « Fox. r Kill. * Fine. x Sight. 
y Couatrr. 



130 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

239. It begins to work like soap on a sow's arse. 
Spoken tauntingly when a business grows more involv'cT,. 

intricate, and troublesome. 

240. I draw it from you, like a fart from a dead mare. 
Spoken of them who will not do, or say, a thing but with- 

force, and constraint. 

241. I will not creep in his arse, for a week of his fair 
weather. 

That is, I'll scorn to creep or cringe to him for any thing 
that ever I will get by him. 

Eng. — I'll not creep in Ins arse to bake in his oven. 

242. I'll learn you to lick, for supping is dear. 

A sensless saying when we correct our children, servant?, 
or scholars. 

243. I never saw a foul thing so cleanly. 

Spoken when they, who us'd to be dirty enough, pretend 
to cleanliness. 

244. I'll do as the cow of Forfar did, I'll take a 
standing drink. 

Spoken when we come into company by chance, or refuse 
to sit down. A woman in Forfar set out her wort to cool, a 
cow came by and drunk it out. The owner was sued for 
damages, but was acquit because the cow took but a standing 
drink. They have another proverb to this purpose. 

245. It will come out yet, like the holm corn. 

1 do not know the reason of the expression, but it is used 
when we see a young man, and a young woman too oft in 
company, we suspect there will be some effects of that fami- 
liarity hereafter. 

246. I'll put dare behind the door, and do it. 
Spoken when people say, we dare not do such a thing. 

247. If, and an, spoils many a good charter. 

Spoken when a thing is promised upon such a condition, if 
they can, if they have time. Taken from tlie clauses irritant 
in a conveyance. 

Lat. — Supposilio nihil ponitin re. 

248. It is hard for a greedy eye to have a 2 leal heart. 
Because such act againsl the beut of their inclinations. 

249. I hold blench of him. 

An allusion to the different tenures by which lairds hold 



z Honest, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH, 131 

their land, some ward, some black ward, some blench, TaU 
last pays no service. 

250. I have more ado than a dish to wash. 

I have business of importance and concern on my hands. 

251. I prick'd not louse since I soled your hose, where 
I might have prick'd a thousand. 

An answer of a laylor to him that calls him pricklouse. 

252. If you will not come you'll bide, 
As Bog said to his bride. 

Spoken when we are indifferent whether they come or not. 

253. I had rather have a groat, than a a grip of your 
coat. 

Spoken by young fellows, when girls run away from them ; 
as if they were careless. 

254. If you be hasty, you'll never be lasty. 
Spoken ironically to lazv people. 

255. I f all b heights hitt. 

If what I propos'd be attain'd ; if what was promised b« 
accomplished. 

256. I will take the best first, as the priest did the 
plumbs. 

257. It is a stanch house that there is never a drop in. 
The insufficiency, and unsatisfactoriness of all human 

things has given occasion to this, and many other proverbs. 

258. I have taken the sheaf from the mare. 

That is, I have slop'd my intended journey. A man going 
a journey, gave his mare a sheaf of oats, that she might per- 
form the belter: but altering his mind, he ordered his sheaf to 
be taken from her. 

259. If it be ill, it is as ill c rused. 

Spoken to them that discommend what we have. 

260. It is no shift to want. 

Spoken when in necessity we take what we have use for; 
they say also, Want is the worst of it. 

Eng. — A bad bush is better than an open field. 

261. It is better to sup with a cutty, than want a 
spoon. 

It is better to have a thing, not quite so good in its kind, 
than to want altogether. 

Eng. — Better play small game than stand out. 

a Catch. b Promises. c Commended. 



1.7 2 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

262. It is good fish, when it is d gripped. 

Eng. — All the craft is in the catching. 

263. It is not everv man that feels the stink of his own 
fart. 

Every man is not sensible of his own defects. 
Lat — Suus cuique crepitus bene olet. 

264. I think you have taken the bumple feist. 
Spoken, with contempt, of those who are become unreason- 
ably out of humour. 

Eng. — You are sick of the mulligrubs with eating cbop'd bay. 

265. It is a hard task to be poor and e leal. 
Because poverty is a great temptation to steal. 

Lat. — Magnum pauperies opprobrium, jubet quidvis facere 
aut pali. 
266. It is good to nip the brier in the bud. 

It is good to prevent, by wholesome correction, the vicious 
inclinations of children. 

267. I am going the errand you cannot go for me. 
lujg. — 1 am going to mv uncle John's house. 

268. It is but a true jest at best. 

Spoken when people discommend themselves, on purpose 
to be praised. 

269. I cannot find you both tale and ears. 

Spoken, with resentment, to those that will not listen to us. 
27l>. I neither got stock, nor f brock. 
That is, neither money, nor interest. 
Lat. — Sors, cum usura, perit, 

271. I am ?\vae for your skathe, there is so little of it. 
A mock coiuloleance. 

272. Just enough, and no more, like Jannet Herris 
r shearers meat. 

Spoken when people have eaten all that is before them. 

273. It is mickle that makes a taylor laugh ; but sor- 
ters 'girns ay. 

A ridicule upon shoemakers, who at every stitch grin with 
tbe force of drawing through the thread. 

274. 1 « ist I had a string at his lug. 

Spoken of those that tarry long, for had jou a string at his 
f-ir, you would pull hard. 

275." I'll draw the belt nearer the ribs. 

* Catch'd. ■ Honest. f Offalls. I Sorry. 
fc Reapers. ' Grins. 



trLlSH. \oo 

That b, I will retrench my eacpences ; spoken upon 
canton ot" some unlook'd for lo«s or expeaee. 

276. I have his cods in a cleft stick. 
Sooken when we have people at an advantage. 

277. If a louse miss its foot on his coat, it will be sure 
to breads its neck. 

Kgnifying that his coat is thread-bare. 
It is good to be oat ot" harm's way. 

279. If 1 cannot keep my tongue, I can keep my 
money. 

Spoken when we have proffered to lay a wager, bat refuse 
to lay down. 

280. It she was my wife, I would make a queen of Iter. 
That is, 1 would leave her the whole kingdom to herself, 

leave her, and go to another. 

SSI. I will be your servant, when yoa have least to 
do, and most to spend. 
The true meaning of that common phrase, Your humble 
servant, Sir. 

282. I have my meat, and my k mense. 

Spoken when we proffer meat, or any thing else, to them 
that refuse it. 

283. I think we will be all chapmen, quoth the good 
wife, when she got a turd on her back. 

A reprimand to those who perk up with their superior?, 
pretend to equal them in cloaths, <5cc. 

I could have done that my self, but not so hand- 
somely. 
Spoken when people do a thing amiss, as snuffing out the 
candle, overturning the glass, or the like. 

It 1 were telhug your kin, your D1 craig was broken, 
that you was iike him. 
Spoken with indignatioa, to them that disparage your friend. 
28& If you win at that, you'll lose at nothing. 

Spoken to them that are about an ill thing, which will un- 
doubtedly prove to their damage. 

287. If we have not the world's wealth, we have the 
world's ease. 

Spoken by those who live happily, in a mean condition. 

288. I had rather see't, than hear tell of it. 
Bag. — Better have it, than hear of it. 

* Here it signifies good manners l It were to the ad van • 
tage of. m Neck. 



134 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

289. It will hold out an honest man, but nothing will 
hold out thieves. 

290. I will pay you and put nothing in your pouch. 

I will bring an account upon you, that will balance your 
demand, or I'll keep you out at law. 

291. If you will have the hen's egg, you must bear 
her cackling. 

If you will have a good thing, you must bear with the in- 
conveniences that attend it. 

292. I will not tell a lye for scant of news. 

293. If it will not sell, it will not soure. 

Spoken when people will not give a price for those wares 
that will keep without loss. 

294. It is well, that all our faults are not written in 
our face. 

Spoken to them who upbraid us with some faults that we 
nave been guilty of; alledging if theirs were as well known, 
they would look as black. 

295. If he had sfiew'd as oft as he has rued, he would 
have a clean stomach. 

Intimating that lie has often repented the doing that thing, 
saying that woid, or undertaking that project. 

296. It will be a hot day that will make you ° startle. 
Spoken to settled, sober, grave people, who are not easily 

rnov'd. 

297. If I have done amiss, I'll make amends. 

298. It would be a hard task to follow a black p cutted 
sow through a new burn'd i moor this night. 

A comical indication that the night is very dark. 

299. I Mint the staff 1 herded it with. 

Spoken surlishlv, when we are asked whatis become of such 
a thing : arguing that we were not oblig'd to keep it. 

300. Is there any mice in your arse? 

A senseless surlish return to them that speak of themselves 
in the plural number. As if you would say, Whom do you 
speak of beside yourself. 

301. If I bad yon at 8 Meggy Mills's house, I would 
get my word about. 

Spoken when we are in a presence where it does not become 

° Run as cattel does when sting'd by wasps. P Dock'd. 
<i Heath. r Lost. s A woman's name, a diminutive of 
Margaret. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. T35 

lis to speak. It took its rise from a country fellow, who hear- 
ing his minister, in the pulpit, say something that he thought 
reflected on him, bawl'd out this proverb. Thinking that if 
he was at the ale-house with him, he would tell him his own. 

302. I can see as far in a mill-stone, as he that pick/d it. 
1 understand very well how things go, and what you aim at. 

303. If yon had given a six-pence for that word, you 
would not have spoken it. 

Because it is to no purpose, and can do you no good. 

304. I heard you lately commended. 

305. It is a friend that * ruses you. 

Spoken both in jest, when we hear people speak well of 
tl>emselves. 
396. If we have little geer, we have the less care 

Lat. — Bene est cui detis obtulit parca quod satis est manu. 

Item. — Misera est magni custodia census. 

307. It has no other father but you. 

Spoken when people commend what they are selling. 
Lat. — Laudat venales, qui vull exponere meroes. 

308. It is ill to put a blythc face on a black heart. 

It is hard to pretend mirth, when the heart is sorrowful. 
Lat. — Difficile est tristi, tingere, menlejocum. 

309. If he be not a sovvter, he's a good shoe clouter. 
If he cannot make new, he. can mend old. 

310. It were a pity to refuse you, you ask so little. 
Spoken to modest cravers : sometimes ironically to them 

that ask too much. 

31 1. It is neither far nor foul u gate. 

And therefore the journey may be undertaken with ease. 

312. It v sets you not to speak of him, 'till you wash 
your mouth with wine, and wipe it with a lawn towel. 

A proud, haughty vindication of our friend, when we hear 
him ill spoken of by mean persons. 

313. I wish he and I h A a peck of gold to w deal, 
there should be * scarted backs of hands, and- 
hinging by the * wicks of the mouth. 

Spoken when such an one is said to be stronger than us ; 
intimating that, upon a good occasion, we would not yield to 
him. 

314. I have seen many a smaller madam. 



1 Commends. » Way. v Becomes. * Diride, 
* Seratch'd. 7 Jawa. 



)S6 SCOTTISH PROVEHBS 

Used in former times, by ordinary women, to them who ' 
call'd them Mistress. The jest lies in the double signification 
of the word smaller, which may mean less in bolk, or lower 
in station. 

315. It is but a year sooner to the begging. 
Facetiously spoken, when we design to be at a little more 

.expence than we thought. 

316. If I was at my own bairn foot. 

1 am now among strangers, bnt if I was at home among my 
friends, I would «ot suffer myself to be insulted. 

317. I'll give you > bone to pick, that will stick in 
your 2 ha'se. 

I'll tell yon of something, that you will not easily digest, 

318. If better were within, better would come out 
Spoken when people speak vile and opprobrious words, sig- 
nifying that their base education can furnish iheni with no.-.e 
better. 

319. It is Ihe poor man's office to look, and the rich 
man cannot forbear it. 

A return to them who ask us what we look at, or why we 
look at them. 

320. If your tail was as ready as your tongue, you 
would shame all your kin. 

A reprimand to scolds, and talkative women. 

321. It is ill prizing of green barley. 

It is ill prizing these things who have not yet had an occa- 
sion of shewing themselves; spoken of boys, colts, &C. 

322. I will sooner see you a sieip ey'd, like a French cai. 
A disdainful rejecting of an unworthy proposal ; spoken by 

hold maids to the vile offers of yonng fellows. 

323. I am not small beer thirsty, nor gray bread hun- 
gry- 

I am not in so great need as to be content with a small or 

mean thing, 

324. It is drink will yon, but not drink shall you. 
My beer is so bad, that I will not urge it upou you, but 

you may drink it if you please. 

325. I'll do as the man did that sold the land. 

That is, I will not do it again, for selling of an estate is a 
fault that few are twice guilty of. 

326. It is a good tree that hath neither b knap nor 
c gaw. 

'Throat. » With the inside turn'd oat. b Knob. c Want. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 1S7 

There is nothing altogether perfect. 

327. It will be a dirten d pingle. 

Spoken when two cowards are going to fight, or the like. 

328. It will be the last word in his e testament. 
That is, he will not be induc'd to do it. 

329. I am '"flyting free with you. . 

I am so far out of the reach of your tongue, that though we 
should scold, you have nothing to say to me. 

330. It is worth all you have offered for it. 

Spoken when we refuse to buy a thing, as being too dear; 
so they would have us tell what we will give for it. 

331. I am not oblig'd to summer and winter it. 
Spoken when we would have told a thing, and they would 

have us tell it over again. 

332. I would rather strive with the great rig, than 
with the ill neighbour. 

An apology of him that takes a larger farm than we sup- 
pose he can manage : that he would rather do his best with it, 
than be vex'd with the contentions of an ill partner. 

333. If he bind the poke, she'll sit down on it. . 
Spoken when a niggardly man is married to a more nig- 
gardly woman. The Scots call a niggardly man, A bind poke. 

334. It had been a pity to have spoil'd two houses 
wi tli them. 

Spoken when two ill-natur'd people are married. 

335. I must do as the beggars do, when I am full go 
away. 

Spoken when we have din'd with our friend, and upon some 
urgent occasions must needs be gone. 

336. I am not so scarce of clean pipes, as to * blow 
out of a burn'd h cutty. 

Spoken by a young girl, when they tell her of marrying, a 
widower ; intimating that she had choice of young batchelors 
at her service. 

337. If this be a feast, you have been at many. 
An apology for a small dinner. 

338. Ill herds make fat wolves. 

This is in the old collection, I have not heard it used ; it 
signifies that careless keepers give thieves occasion to steal, 

339. It is not in your breeks. 

<* Competition. c Latter will. f Scolding. S Smoak. 
h A short pipe. 

k 3 



138 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

An allusion to money in our pockets; signifies our ina- 
bility to effect, or procure such a thing. 

340. It is hard to please all parties. 

Eug. — He that wou'd please all, and himself too, 

Takes more in hand than he can do. 
From llie Latin, Durum est omnibus placere. 
Lat. — Jupiter, neque pluens, ncque afcslinens, omnibus 
placet. 

341. It is a filthy bird that files its own nest. 

An angry reprimand, to one that speaks ill of his country. 
In the north of Ireland tliey will say, 

342. Sik a word out of a Crawford's mouth. 

343. I will not make fish of one, and flesh of another. 

JLat. — Tros lyriusve mihi nullo discriinine agetur. 

344. It is good sleeping in a sound skin. 

An apology of, or a reflection upon, him that shuns dangers. 

345. Ill to day, and worse to morrow. 

Lat. — Qui uon est hodie, eras minus aptus erit. 
346- It is ill to strive against the stream. 
Lat. — Difficile est contra torrenlem nili. 
Item. — Slultus pugnat iu ad vers: s ire nalator aquis. 

347. If you would live for ever, wash the milk from 
your liver. 

348. It is a pity fair weather should ever do harm. 

349. It is hard both to pray and pay. 
360. It is hard both to have, and want 

That is, to have a thing and not to make nse of it. 
The rich poor man's emphatically poor. — Cowley. 
351. It goes ra at the one ear, and out at the other. 
3&L If things were to be done twice, all would be 
k wise. 

353. If the devil find a man idle, he'll set him on 
work. 

Eng. — An empty brain is the devil's shop. 
"Lat. — Olium'diaboli pulvinar. 

354. I will not buy a pig in a poke. 

355. If I had a dog as doff, I would shoot him. 
S«>C. K is a lamb in the one taking ; but it will be an 

-did sheep e'er you get it off. 
Eng. — Light burthens far hea?y. 



The S«ots pronoonee it wie. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 13g 

Often apply'd to debts, which are easier to be contracted 
than paid. 

357. It shall never ride, and I gang. 
That is, I will not eat it. 

358. Ill news are ay o'er true. 

359. I'll never buy a cow, when I can have milk so 
cheap. 

360. It is ill to make an unlawful oath, but worse to 
keep it. 

361. I deny that with both my hands, and all my 
teeth. 

362. I have seen more than I have eaten. 

Intimating that you have seen and convers'd with the world. 
Eng. — All the bread that I have eaten was not bak'd in 
one oven. 

363. I have mickle to do, and few to do it for me. 

364. I wish you may have Scotch to carry you to bed. 
Spoken when our companions, beginning to take with 

the drink, begin to speak Latin; a common custom there, 
believing that by and by they will be at that pass that Ihey 
will be able to speak no language. 

365. I never heard it worse told. 

A kind of exclamation when people say something of you, 
that tends to diminish the opinion the world has of you. 
S66. I wish you had a brose to lay the hair of your 
beard. 

A disdainful return of a saucy maid, to a courtier that she 
thinks unworthy of her. 

367. It is a good tongue that says no ill, and a better 
heart that thinks none. 

Used when we have no inclination to speak our mind freely, 
concerning courts, or great men. 

368. I'll make his own ' garlans bind his own hose. 
That is, what expence his business requires I will take out 

of his own money. 

369. Just as it falls, quoth the wooer to the maid. 
That is, as my affairs and circumstances allow. It took its 

rise from a courtier, who went to court a maid ; she was 
dressing supper with a drop at her nose, she ask'd him if he 
would stay all night, he answered, Just as it falls; meaning 
if the drop fell among the meat he would go, if it fell by, he 
would stay. 

1 Garters. 



140 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

-370. It is the best spoke in his wheel. 

371. I'll be m dady's bairn, and n minies bairn. 
Spoken by them who bave no intention to embark into die- 
interest of any of llie contending parlies. 

372. I spoke but one word, give me but one knock. 
Spoken by those who being reprimanded for offering their 

opinion in a business, excuse themselves, by saying that they 
will proceed no farther. 

373. It has neither arse nor elbow. 
Spoken of a thing that is wholly unshapely. 

374. I was like a cow in an ° uncouth p loan. 
That is, every body look'd strange to me. 

375. I never lov'd water in my shoon, and my weime's 
made of better leather- 
Jocosely spoken by them who refuse to drink water. 

376. I would not have you cackling, for your egg. 

1 would not have your trouble and noise for all the ad- 
vantage you bring me. 

377. I never lov'd them that find fault with my shoon, 
and give me no leather. 

Apply'd to them that find fault with some part of our habit, 
yet contribute nothing to make it better. 

378. It's a bra thing to be honest. , 

Commonly a preface to the telling of some thievish, or 
knavish action. 

379. I wish you were able, « why you never did it. 
Spoken tauntingly to them that threaten to beat you, or 

boast of what they can do. 

380. I have a workman's eye in my head. 

Spoken when we nicely discern a thing a little wrong done. 

381. I'll give you a meeting, as Mortimer gave bis 
mother. 

A threatening to be up with us, when ooeasion shall offer, 
bat I know not the original. 

382. I would sooner see your nose cheese, and my 
self the first bite. 

To the same purpose with 322. 

383. It is far to seek, and ill to find; like r Meg's 
maidenhead. 

Spoken of a thing that's quite lost; 

m Papa's. n Mamma's. ° Strange. P Milking-pJace. 
9 Upon condition that. r A diminutive of Margaret. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 141 

384. It is not what is she, but what has she. 

Spoken of the choice of wives, -where the portion is often 
more look'd after than either the person or the virtues. 

385. I wou'd not cal! the king my cousin. 

Added when we say, Had I such a thing, could 1 get such 
a place, or effect sucli a project : I would think myself so 
happy, that 1 would Hatter no body. They say also, I would 
be out of all my eeu kins mister. 

K. 

I. Kissing goes by favour. 

Men shew regard, or do service, lo people as they affect, 
*3. Kings are out of play. 

It is not right, in subjects, to jest upon kings, or to pry 
narrowly into their determinations, and actions. 

3. Kings liH\e long- hands. 

Their power, and authority, reaches over all their dominion*. 
Lat. — An ■ cccm longas regibus esse uiarms. 

4. Keep your tongue within your teeth. 

Lat. — Quod de quoque viro, 6t cui dicas, sape caveto. 

5. Know when to spend, and when to spare, 

Aud you need not be busy, and you'll never be 
bare. 
Eng. — To give and keep there is need of art. 

6. Keep your kill-dry 'd taunts, to your mouldy-hair'd 

maidens. 
A disdainful return to those who are too liberal of their 
taunts. 

7. Kiss yon me 'till I grow white, and that will be an 

ill web to bleech. 
A scornful answer to a saucy proposal. 

8. Kindness will creep, where it cannot gang. 

They who dare not shew their love openly, will find a way 
to convey the knowledge of it privately. 

9. Kindness comes awill. 
That is, lore cannot be fore'd. 

10. Kings and bears oft a worry their keepers. 
Witness the tragical end of many courtiers. 

II. Kings chaff is worth other men's corn. 

The perquisites that attend kings service is better than ths 
wages of other persons. 

a Devour. 



142 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

12. Kiil the cock the laird's coming ; well I wot he's 
welcome. 

A senseless bauble, spoken by servants, when they see the 
laird a coining, whose original I do not know. 

13. Kings cheese goes half away in parings. 

A. great deal of it goes to the officers of the revenue. 

1 4. Keep something for the sore foot. 
Preserve something for age, distress, and necessity. 

Eng. — Keep something for him that rides on the white 
horse. 

15. b Keek in the e stoup was ne'er a good fellow. 
Spoken when one peeps into the pot, to see if the liquor 

be out; whereas a jolly good fellow should drink about, and 
when the pot's ei,ipty call for more. 

16. Kindness cannot be bought for gecr. 

But rather b\ mutual good offices; and therefore, 

17. Kindness cannot stand ay on one side. 

Spoken when jou offer an instance of kindness to them who 
have been formerly kind to you. 

18. Kiss you her all but the mouth, and then you will 
not miss her arse. 

A surlish return to them thai jeer you with being too fami- 
liar with such a woman. 

19. Kail ll hains bread. 

Good broth will, in some measure, supply the want of 
bread. 

29. e Kitty e Swerroek where she sat, come * reik me 
this, come f reik me that. 

Spoken by mothers to their lazy daughters, when they call 
to any body to reach them what they want, thinking it mora 
proper that they should rise, and go for it. 

21. * Kae me, and I'll & kae thee. 

Spoken when great people invite and feast one another, 
and neglect the poor. 

22. Keep that at home with you. 

Spoken when peop'e unawares upbraid us with what some 
of their. own near relations are guilty of. 

23. Kiss my arse Kilmarnock, I am as little in your 
h common, as you are in mine. 

Spoken to people who have been rigorous to us, and ex- 

* Peep. c Pot. d Saves. e Kate the lazy. f Reach, 
i In ••he. '' To bs in ones common, is to bcoblig'd to them. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 145 

acted upon us, lo whom therefore we tliink ourselves not 

LbUg'i. 

24. Keep the feast till the feast day. 

An advice to maidens, not to dispose of their -virginity 'till 
they be married ; or, as they say, Get kirk mense. 

25. ' Keek in ray kail pot, k glower in my ambry. 
Spoken lo them who officiously pry into our actions. Com- 
monly used among children. 

26. Kiss a m carle, and n clap a carle, and that's the 

way to ° tine a carle. 

27. Knock a carle, and p ding a carle ; and that's the 

way to win a carle. 
Both these are join'd together, and signify, that people of 
mean breeding are rather to be won by harsh treatment, than 
civil. 

28. Kiss my foot there's more flesh on it. 

Spoken to them who tauntingly say, I kiss jour hands. 
20. Kikhin well is come to the town. 

Spoken by mothers to their children, when they would hare 
them spare what they give them to their bread ; for they have 
no more to give them. 

30. Keep lint and it will be dirt : keep wool and it 
will be silk. 

Lint mellows and improves by keeping, but wool rots. 

31. Kissing is cry'd down to shaking ofhands. 
Spoken by a girl when ask'd a kiss. Alluding to procla- 
mations for lowering the value of money: there is a procla- 
mation that nobody should kiss hereafter, but only shake hands. 

32. Keep as mickle of your Scots tongue as will bay 

your dog a i leaf. 
A reprimand to conceited fellows who affectedly speak 
English, or, as they say, begin to knap. 

33. Kiss my niry-nary, that's my arse in English. 
A ridiculous taunting bauble. 

34 Keep your breath to cool your brose. 

Spoken to them who talk much to little purpose. 
35. Kiss the hare's foot. 

This is spoken to them who come too late lo dinner : but I 
know not the reason of the expression. 

* Peep. k Look sparingly. ' Cnp-board. m Carle is 
every man not a gentleman. n Sooth, make of. P Luse. 
p Beat. 1 Loai* 



144 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

36. Keep your foot out of the fire, and I'll keep that 
from you. 

Spoken to them who expect a tiling, that they are not likely 
to get. 

37. Kiss a slate-stone and that will not r slaveryou. 
An answer of a girl to him that asks her a kiss. 

L. 

1. Love me little, love me long. 

A dissuasive from shewing too much, and too sudden kind- 
ness. 

Lat. — Nihil vehemens durabile. 

2. Little knows the wife that sits by the fire, 
How the wind blows in Hurle-burle-swyre. 
Hurle-burle-swyre is a passage through a ridge of moun- 
tains, that separate Nilhsdale from Twadale and Ciydsdale! 
where the mountains are so indented one with another, that 
there is a perpetual blowing. The meaning is, that they, who 
areatease, know little ol thelrouble that others are expos'd to. 

3. Little wit as mickle travel!. 

Spoken when people, for want of skill, put themselves to 
more trouble than they need. 

4. Leave is light. 

A reproof to them who intrude upon your interest, without 
your permission. 

5. Look e'er you a loup, and you'll ken the better 
where you light. 

Consider well before you undertake a tiling of weight. 

6. Long e'er the dee'i Jye dead by the b dike side. 
Spoken when we are tuld that some wicked persons is like 

to die. 

Lat. — Mors optima rapit, leterrima relinqnit. 

7. Little Jock gets the little dish, and it holds him ay 

long little. 
Poor people a>e poorly serv'd, which prolongs their poverty. 

8. Long c leal, long poor. 

9. d Lata is long and e dwigh. 

Two cursed proverbs to encourage people to dishonesty. 
As if honest and fair dealing were too tedious to procure 
worldly prosperity. The English say also, 

r Slaber. » Leap. b Ditch. « Honest. 
* Honesty. e Tedious. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 14S 

Plain dealing is a jewel, but they that use it die beggars. 

Lat. — Probitas laudator, & alget. 

I like another proverb far better, because far truer, viz. 

10. Leal folks never wanted geer. 

11. Live, and let live. 

Deal so equally, and so fairly, that you may gain, and 
others may gain by jou. 

12. Love, and raw pease are two ill things, the one 
breaks the heart, and the other brusts the belly. 

13. Love and raw pease will make a man speak at 
both the ends. 

Eng. — Love and pease pottage will make their way. 

14. Little said soon mended. 

15. Little geer soon spended. 

These two are often pronounced together for the rhyme'* 
sake. 

16. Lightly come, lightly go. 
Lat. — Quod cito fit cito perit. 

17. Long e'er the King of France get wot of that. 
Spoken when people make a great talk of some little acci- 
dent. 

Lat. — Id populus curat scilicet. 

18. Like to like, a scabbed horse to an old dike. 
Like to like, quoth the devil to the collier. 

19. Let the morn come, and the meat with it. 

Spoken to them who are solicitous for to-morrow's provision. 

Lat. — Laetus in praesens animus quod ultra est. Oderit cu- 
rare. 

20. Long tarrying takes all the thanks away. 

Eng. — He loseth his thanks that promiseth, and delajeth. 
Lat. — Qui cito dat, bis dat. 

Item. — Gratia ab officio, quod mora tardat, abest. 
Item. — Longa mora est nobis omnis, quae gaudia differt. 

21. Light burthens break no bones. 

An excuse for not taking more in hand than we can well 
manage. 

22. Let every man be content with his own f kevel, 
Lat. — Sorte tua contenlus abi. 

Item. — Spartam nactus es, hanc orna. 

23. Lads will be men. 

An apology for giving sufficient meat to boys. 
Lat. — Tandem fit surculus arbor. 



f Lot. 
o 



146 SCOTTISH ritOVERBS 

24. Lips go, laps go, drink and pay. 

If you put your lip to the cup to drink, put your hand to 
your lap to take out your purse. 
Eng. — Touch pot, touch penny. 

25. Law makers should not be law breakers. 
Lat. — Palere legem quam lulisli. 

26. Like a sow playing on a e trump. 
Spoken when people do a thing ungracefully. 
Eng. — Like pigs playing on organs. 

Lat. — Asinus ad lyrara. 

27. Leaches kill with license. 

An argument dissuading people, of no skill, from quack- 
ing; for if any that they administer to die, they will be 
Mam'd : but if any die under the hands of a physician, no no- 
tice is taken of it. 

28. Leave off while Ihe play is good. 

Lest, if it be continued, it may come to earnest. Spoken 
also by people of age and gravity, when young people jest 
upon them, intimating that they will not bear it. 

29. Let his own wand ding him. 
Let him reap the fruits of his own folly. 
Lat. — B : s interimilnr qui suis armis peril. 

30. Little dogs have long tails. 

People of a low stature may perform their business well 
enough. Other ways apply'd sometimes. 

31. Like is an ill mark. 

Lat. — Omne simile est dissimile. 

Item. — Omnis siniililudo claudicat, alioquin esset identilas. 

32. Little intermedling makes fair parting. 

When we do not busy ourselves about other men'* interest 
and concerns, we can have little occasion to fall out with them. 
Eng. — Of little medling, comes great ease. 

33. Long e'er like to die fill the kirkyerd. 
Eng. — Almost was never hang'd. 

34. Loud in the h loan was ne'er a good milk cow. 
A reprimand to noisv girls. 

35. Let alone makes many a ' lown. 
Want of correction makes many a bad boy. 
Lat. — Deteriores omues sumns licentia. 

36.' Learn your goodara to make milk kail. 

Spoken to tliem who officiously ofl'er to leach them who 
know more than themselves. 

e Jew's harp. h Milking-place. ' Rogue. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 147 

Eng. — Teach your father to gel bairns. 
Lat. — Sus minervain. 

37. Long e'er four bare legs heat in a bed. 

To dissuade people who have no stock from marrying. 
Eng. — More 'long to a bed than four bare legs. 

38. Let one dee'l ding another. 
Spoken when two bad persons quarrel. 
Lat. — Fallacia atia aliam trudnt. 

39. Let the plough stand, and slay a mouse. 

Lay aside, for a little, that business that you are so earnest' 
upon; and take a little diverlisement : Master Palmer has one 
directly contrary, viz. 

Never let the plough stand to slay a mouse. 
Which also has a good signification, to wit, that we be not 
taken off from our proper business, by every obvious diver- 
tisement. 

40. Leave the court, e'er the court leave thee. 

A good advice in its literal sense, if courtiers would take 
it, but it signifies that we should mortify our vicious inclina- 
tions, by consideration and religion, before old age make 
them forsake us. 

41. Lye down with the lamb, and rise with the k lave- 
rock. 

Eng.^— Early to bed, and early to rise, 

Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. 

42. Like a dog's turd broken, and look in both ends 

of it. 

Spoken when two persons, equally vile, and base, are com- 
pared together. 

Eng. — You may wink and choose. 

43. Little to few, when taylors are true; 
Lat. — Raro, ad lempus, fidem praeslanl artifices. 

44. Let the earth ' big the m dike. 

Let the expence that attends a thing, be taken out of the 
profit that it yields. 

45. Little may an old horse do, that may not n nigher. 
Spoken ol over-grown decayed rakes, thai speak bawdy. 
Eng. — He's an ill horse that can neither whinny, nor wag 

Tris tail. 

Item. — The old coachman loves the crack of the whip. 

\ 

k Lark. l Build. » Ditch. * Neigh. 
o % 



148 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

46. Let bim that is cold blow at the coal. 

Let them drudge about business that want it, and expect 
benefit by it. 

Lat. — Lucerna qui indigent, oleam infundant. 
Item. — Eat, zonam qui perdidit. 

47. Long standing, and little offering, makes a poor 
priest. 

Spoken by hucksters, pedlars, and the like, when they have 
an ill market. 

48. Lik'd geer is half bought. 

For in that case a man will give a little more for his fancy. 
Engv — The bargain is soon made where wares please. 

49. Light winning makes a heavy purse. 

Because, when men sell at conscionable rates, they make 
quick returns, and that makes a rich merchant. 

50. Loth to drink, and loth from it. 

People of a narrow and niggardly spirit, when they treat 
tfr#y will be very profuse. 

51. Little wats the ill willy wife, what a dinner may 
hold in. 

For a handsome treat may procure good friends and great 
interest. 

52. Laugh, and lay down again. 

Spoken when one halh picked up anything, as if you would 
say, give it back again, and pretend that you did it in jest. 

53. Love lives in cottages, as well as in courts. 
Conjugal love much more, for they wio live in cottages 

keep no whores : and seldom marry for interest, wealth, or 
court favour, those whom they do not love. 

54. Like butter in the black dog's ° ha'se. 

That is, past recovery. 

55. Lie you for me, and I'll swear for you. 
Spoken of two rogues who combine to carry on a cheat. 

56. Let the tail follow the skin. 

Let the appurtenance follow the main bulk. 

57. Little geer, less care. 

Lat. — Misera est magni custodia census. 

58. Live in measure, and laugh at the medieiners. 
Nothing contributes more to health, than a temperate diet. 

Whereas, Nimia gula morborum mater. 
Eng. — He that lives fast, cannot live long. 

Throat. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 149 

59. Long p ment, little dint. 

Spoken when men threaten much, and dare not execute. 

60. Let him come to himself, like Mackibbon's 
i crowdy. 

Spoken when people are angry without a cause ; as if you 
would say, let him settle himself, for I value not his anger. 

61. r Lacking breeds laziness, praise breeds 8 pith. 
Discommend a boy and you discourage him, but commend 

him, and it. will spur him on. 
Lat. — Virtus laudata creseit. 

Item. — Excitat auditor studium, laudataque virtus 
Creseit : et immensum gloria calcar habet. 

62. Lordships changes manners. 

When people grow rich, and powerful, they grow proud. 

63. Little ken'd, less car'd for. 

Spoken of such of our relations as dwell at a distance. 
Lat — Non sunt amici, amici qui vivunt procul. 

64. Like- the Orkney butter, neither good to eat, nor 

to ' creich wool. 

A minister having in these words comparM the covenant 
made it a proverb; apply'd to a thing that is useful no way. 
66. Loth to bed, and loth out of it. 

Eng, — Lubbers guise, loth to bed, and loth to rise.' 

66. Last in bed best hear'd. 

Spoken when they who lye longest are first serv'd. 

67. Likely lies in the mire, and unlikely gets over. 
Good likelihood is not always an infallible token, of great" 

strength, skill, or fortune. 

Lat.-: Viribus ille. 

Confisus periil, admiraridisque lacerli. 

68. Long and small, like the cat's elbow. 
A disparaging reflection upon slender people. 

69. Let your horse drink what he will, but not where 
he will. 

Often drinking in a journey, makes a horse faint. 

Eng. — He that lets his horse drink at every water, and his- 
wife go to every feast, will never have a good horse, or a 
good wife. 



f Offering, threatening, q Brose. r Discommending'. 

8 Force, * Grease. 

o3 



150 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

70. Like a magistrate among beggars. 

Spoken of tliera that have some little authority, and make a 
great hustle with it. 

71. Love jour friend, but look to yourself, 
Lat. — Nulli te facias nimis sodalem. 

72.' Longest at the fire soonest finds cold. 

They who are used to ease, softness, aud plenty, will .soon 
he sensible of a contrary condition. 

Lat. — Quem res plus nimio delectavere secundae, 
Mutataequatiunt. 

73. Long may you pish, and fart. 

A ridiculous, dirty way of wishing people long life. From 
another old Scottish proverb, Pish and fart sound at the heart. 

They have another wish of that sort, but I shall not trouble 
the reader with it. 

74. Lay the sweet side of your tongue to it. 

An answer to them that ask what they will get to their 
hasty-pudding. And if a boy ask what he will get to his 
bread ? They will say, Slaver and sharp teeth. That is, your 
Jeeth to bruise it, and your spit to moisten it. 

75. Learn young, learn fair. 

Lat. — Tenacissimi sumus eorum, quae rudibus annis per- 
cepimus. 

Item. — Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem. 
Testa diu. 

76. u Lippen to me, but look to your self. 

A modest refusal of what we importun'd for. 

77. Lick thy v loof, and lay't to mine, dry leather 
w gigs ay. 

This signifies no more but kiss your hand and give it : 
spoken facetiously, upon some good fortune, unexpected. 

78. * Lean to your dinner. 
Spoken to them that loll upon us. 

79. Long straws are no moles, quoth the good wife 
when she harl'd the cat out of the kirn. 

Spoken facetiously, when we get a long mole in our meat. 

80. Long tongued wives go long with bairn. 
Baubling wives will tell every tailing gossip that they have 

conceived ; which makes them long expect their lying in. 
Apply'd to those who discover their projects, designs, and in- 
tentions, long before they are put in execution. 

u Trust. v Palm. w Cracks. x Loll upon. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 



151 



Lat — Quod facturus es ea ne dixeris, fruslratus enim 
rldeberis. 

81. Love most, least thought of. 

Spoken when our love and fiiendship meet with neglect. 

82. Let every sheep hing by his own shank. 

83. Let every herring hing by its own head. 
Everyman must stand by his own endeavour, industry, and 

interest. 

Eng. — Let every tub stand on its own bottom. 

84. Lay up like a laird, and seek like a lad. 

Spoken to them that take no care to lay up what they had 
in their hands, and so must drudge in seeking of it. 

85. Lov<* has no lack, if the dame was ne'er so black. 
Lai. — Balbinum deleclat polypus a^nae. 

86. Litile can a long tongue >' lein. 
Spoken as a reproof to a banbler. 

87. Laugh at leisure, you may greet e'er night. 
A reprimand to them that laugh inlemperately. 

88. Let him take a ? spring of his own fiddle, and 

dance 1o it when he has done. 
Let him go on in his own way, and bear the effects of it. 

89. Let the world a shogg. 

Spoken by them who have a mind to do as they have re- 
solved, be the issue what will. 

90. Lend your money, and lose your friend. 

It is not the lending of our money that loses our friend; 
but the demanding it again, and that will lose a friend to my 
certain knowledge. They have a proverbial rhyme to this 
purpose. 
1 bad a 
T lent my 
1 sought my 
1 lost my 
Had I a 
Two'dkeepmy 



)" penny' 



friend* 



and a 
to my 
frommy 
and my 
and a 1 
and my-' 

91. Like lips, like lettuce, 

This is in the old collection from the Latin, Similes ha 
bent labra lactucas. 

Eng. — Like priest like people. 

Item. — A thistle is a fit sallad for an asse's mouth. 



as many of this land, 
when he did it demand, 
when be had kept it long, 
and was not that a wrong? 
as I have had before, 
and play the fool no more. 



y Conceal. * Tune. a Shake from one si ie to the other. 



152 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

92. Lay the * sub side undermost, and reckon when 

ye rise. 

An answer to him thai objects against marrying a woman, 
because she is akin to him. 

93. Long e'er you cut Falkland wood with a penknife. 
Spoken when people set about a work without proper tools. 

94. Let all trades live 

Spoken when we have broken an utensil, which must em- 
ploy a tradesman lo mend Tt,or make anew one. 

95. Love is never without jealousy. 
Lai. — Z lolypiam parit amor 

90. Let a friend go with a foe. 

A bad pro\erb ! for nothing should ever induce a friend to 
part with his friend. 1 would rather spare a foe for a friend's' 
sake. 

97. Let not the cobler go beyond his last. 

This from the Latin, Ne sulor ultra crepidam. Taken 
from the famous story of Apelles,who could not bear that the- 
cobler should correct any pari of his picture beyond the 
slipper. 

98. Like a dog in a manger; neither eat hay, nor 
suffer the horse to eat it. 

99. Let him put in his finger, and he'll put in his 
whole hand. 

An advice not lo meddle with covetous and designing 
persons; who wilt screw themselves into your interest and 
property by degrees. 

100. Long look'd for comes at last. 

101. Love, and lordship, like no b marrows. 
Lat. — Nee regna ferre socium, nee taedae sciunt. 

102. Little d flerence between a feast and a full. 

103. Love and light cannot be hid. 
Lat. — \i»or <k tussis non celatur. 

104. I .el never sorrow come so near your heart, unless 
for sin. 

Spoken heartily when we have made our friend drink. 

105. Lay by the book. 

Signifying that we firmly believe what they sayj so that 
they need not swear it. 

106. Light suppers, long life days. 

The English say, Light suppers make clean sheets. 

a Akin. b Partners. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 153 

M. 

1 . Many one kisses the bairn for love of the c nurrish. 

That is, shew their kindness to the companions, friends, or 
relations, of those upon whom they have a design, which they 
hope by their influence to effect, 

2. d Mickle fails that fools think. 

Lat. — Fallitnr augurio, spes bona, saepe suo. 

3. Many masters, quoth the e poddock to the harrow, 

when every 'tin gave her a s tig. 
Spoken by those whom persons, inferior to their masters, 
presume to reprove, command, or correct. 

Eng. — When* every hand fleeceth, the sheep go naked. 

4. Many say well, when it never was Worse. 
Spoken to them that say, Well, by way of resentment. 
Eng. — Well, well is a word of malice. 

5. Money will make the pot play, if the dee'l pish in 

the lire. 

6. h Moyen does mickle, but money does more. 

The vast influence thai »none t v has upon mortals, has given 
occasion to these two, and inuny other, proverbs. 

Eng. — Monej makes the mure go. 

Lat.— Quid si dolos spes refulaeril munmi 
Poelas oorvos, poelnasque picas, 
Canlai e credas peguseum tnelos — perseui. 

Item.— -Omnia tuiin res 

Virtus, lama, decus, divina, humanaque, pulehris 
Divitiis parent, quas, qui cnnslru*erit, ille 
Clams erit. I'orlis, Justus, sapiens, eliara & rex, 
Et quioquid voluit. 

7. Meat is good, but ' mense is better. 

Let not ones greediness on their meat intrench upon their 
modesty. 

8. Many excuses pishes the bed. 

When men make many excuses it argues their guilt. 

9. Many a good tale is spoil'd in the telling. 
Apply'd often when a good sermon is ill delivered, to roy 

certain knowledge. 

Lat. — Nihil est quin, male narrando, possit depravarier. 

c Nurse. d Much. « Frog. •" Tooth, S A little blow, 
h Interest. > Modesty. 



154 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

10. Many hands make slight work. 

Because, while every one trusts to another, the work is 
reglected. 

11. Many hands make light work. 
Because it is but little to every one. 

Lat. — Mullorum manibus grande levatur onus. 

12. .Metal is dangerous in a blind mare. 

And so is bigotry, and blind zeal, in an ignorant fellow. 

13. My daughter is my daughter all the days of her 

life, 
My son is my son 'tHl he get him a wife. 
A mother has seldom so good treatment from a daughter- 
in-law, as fr©m a son-in-law. 

14. Might overcomes right, by a time. 

Lat. — Nam quid agas cum te furiosus cogat &c idem 
Fortior. 

15. k Mister makes man of craft. 

Kng. — Make virtue of necessity. 

Lat. — Necessilas ration uin invenlrix. 

Item. — Magisler artis ingeniiq ; largitor — venter. 

16. My next neighbour's skathe is my present perik. 
Lat. — Tnm tua res agrlur, paries cum prox turns ardet. 

17. Many hounds me soon J worry one hare. 

Spoken when a potent family, with their friends, relations^ 
and followers, bear hard upon a poor man. 
Eng — Two to one is odds at foot-ball. 
Lat. — Mullis ictibus dejicitur quercus. 
Item — Ne Hercules ipse contra duas. 

18. Mickle would ay have more. 

This, and many other?, are spoken of the insatiable desire 
that rich men have alter wealth. 

Lat. — Crescil indulgens sibi dims hydrops. 

19. Marry a beggar, and get a louse for your m toghcr 
good. 

A dissuasive from joyning in trade, or farm, with a poor 
man, where the whole loss must lye on you : the following 
English has another invention : Sue a beggar and get a louse. 

20. Micklcdom is no virtue. 

It is no virtue for a man to have a large body, or brawny 
limbs ; for a man of less stature may have more stoutness. 
Lat. — A cane non magno saepe tenetur aper. 



k NeocL * Kill. * Portion. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 155 

21* Messengers should neither be headed nor hangM. 

An excuse for carrying an ungrateful message. 
Lat. — Legatus nee violalur, nee laeditur. 

22. My tongue is not under your belt. 

You can say nothing of ine that can make me bold my 
tongue. 

Eal- — Hie mums alienius esto 

Nil conscire sibi, nulla pallescere culpa. 

23. Meddle with your mateli. 

Spoken by people of age, when young people jest upon 
them too wantonly : or by weak people, when insulted by 
the more strong, and robust, in that case they will say, You 
dare not meddle with your match. 

24. Many fair promises in marriage making, but few 
in "togher paying. 

People will flatter you with fair promises and proposals ; 
'till they get you engaged in some project for their interest, 
but after alter their tune. 

Eng — Between promising and performing a man may 
marry his daughter. 

Item. — He promises like a merchant, and pays like a man 
of war. 

Lat. — Fistula dalce canit, volucrem dnm decipitauceps. 

25. Meat feeds, cloth cleeds, but manners makes the 
man. 

And indeed good meat, and fine cloaths, without good 
breeding, are but poor recoininendations. 

Eng. — Manners often make fortunes. 
20. Met and measure make all men wise. 

Npoken when people would have what they buy weighed, or 
measured. 

Eng. — Weight and measuretake away strife. 

27. Many heads are better than one. 
Lat- — Plus vident.oculi qnam oculus, 

28. Make friends of°framet° folk. 

Spoken to dissuade people from marrying their near kinswo- 
men, thinking it better to procure new interests, and new alli- 
A*u*cs, by marrying into a strangers family. 

29. Maidens must be mild and meek, 
Swift to hear, and slow to speak. 

A rhyme much canted by mothers to their daughters in 
former times; but now almost antiquated. 

B Portion. • Strangers. 



156 SCOTTI3H PROVERBS 

30. Muck bodes luck, dame go drite p there p benu. 

Eng. — Shitten luck is good luck. 

31. Make the best of a bad market. 

Since you have fain into a troublesome business, mend it 
bj r your cunning and industry. 

32. Make no baulks in good bearland. 

Spoken when it is proposed to marry the youngest daughter, 
before the eldest 

33. q Mair in a r mair dish. 

That is, a great deal more ; an answer to them who ask you 
if you will have any more, when you have gotten but very 
little. 

34. Murther will out. 

Taken from the strange discoveries of mnrther. Spoken 
jocosely when something is like to be discovered, which we 
would gladly have conceal'd. 

35. More by good luck, than by good guiding. 
Spoken when a thing, ill managed, falls out well. 

36. Maidens s toghers, and ministers l stipends, are ay- 
less than they are eall'd. 

Maidens portions are magnified to procm-e them suiters. 
And ministers livings are eall'd larger, by them who grudge 
that they are so large. 

37. Many purses hold friends long together. 

When every man pays his equal club, we are not burthen- 
some to our friends, and so continue our friendship. 

38. Many care for meal that have bak'd bread enough. 
Spoken against whining, complaining people, who have 

enough, and yet are always making a moan. 

39. Man propones, but God dispones. 

Eng. — Man doth what he can, but God what he will. 
Lat. — Non omnia eveniunt quas ammo stalueris. 

40. Many one serves a thankless master. 

Spoken when you have done service to one, who seems not 
sensible of it, or thankful for it. Often too when we urge our 
service upon them that care not for it. 

41. Many one u tines the v half v mark w whinger for 

the half-penny x whang. 

P Into the inward part of the house. 1 More. r Bigger. 
» Portions. * Livings, u Loses. v Bought for six-pence. 
w Dagger. * Thong. - 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 157 

There are many to this purpose ; spoken when people lose 
a considerable thing, for not being 1 at an inconsiderable ex- 
pence. 

42. Wives, and mills, are ay wanting. 

It requires much to keep a mill useful, and a wife fine. 

43. Many one do y lack what they would z fain have in 

their pack. 
Men will seem to discommend what they have a great mind 
to, in order to get it cheaper. 

44. Marry in haste, and repent at leisure. 

In a business of so great an importance as marriage, we 
ought to use great deliberation, and good advice. 

45. Mickle corn, mickle care. 

Lat. — Crescentem sequitur cura pecuniam. 

46. Men speak of the fair, as things went there. 
Men speak of men, or things, as they find them. 

47. Malice is ay mindful. 

Spoken when people rip up old sores, and think, with re* 
sentment, upon old disobligations. 

48. More nice than a wise. 

Spoken when people out of bashfulness leave a thing unsaid, 
or a person unspoken to, which would have contributed to 
their interest. 

49. Money is welcome in a dirten clout. 
Lat. — Dulcis oder lucri ex re qualibet. 

50. Mickle spoken, part split. 

Eng. — Talk much err much. From the Spanish. 
Lat. — Non est ejusdem mnlta, & opportuna, dicere. 

51. Many one blames their wife, for their own unthrift. 
I never saw. a Scottish woman who had not this at her 

finger's ends. 

52. Men b loup the dike where it is c leaghest. 

That is, oppress and over-run those who are least able to 
resist them. 

53. Many dogs will die e'er you'll be heir. 

Spoken to them who shew themselves interested about a 
thing, in which they have no concern. 

54. Money would be gotten, if there were money to 

get it with. 
Intimating that the man would thrive, if he had a stock. 



y Discommend. z Gladly. » In Scotch pronounced wioe 
b Jump over. c Lowest. 



158 SCOTTISH. PROVERBS 

Eng. — -He lliat lacketk a slock, his gain's not worth a chip. 

55. Mutton is sweet, and gars folks die e'er they be 

siek. 
That is, make people steal sheep and so be hang'd. 

56. Man's mouth is no measure, unless his throat was 
stop'd. 

Spoken when we chuse rather to drink out of a glass, than 
out of the pot ; or, as they say, by word of mouth. 

57. Many one's geer is many one's d death. 

Spoken when oppressive, and covetous .sheriffs condemn 
rich men for small crimes, and take their forfeitures. 
Lai. — Raro venit in crenaculo miles. 

Sed plures niinia congesla pecunia cura 
Strangnlat. 

58. More hamcly than welcome. 

69. Mickle sorrow comes to the e screa, e'er the heat 
come to the f tea. 
Spoken when one holds his shoe to the fire to warm his foot. 
Eng. — While the leg warmeth the boot harmeth. 

60. e Mint e'er ye strike. 

Spoken to them that threaten us ; give me fair warning, 
and do your best. 

61. Many aunts, many h emms, many kinsfolk, few 
friends. 

Spoken by them that have many rich friends, and are little 
the better for them. 

62. March comes in with adder heads, and goes out 

with peacock tails. 
Eng. — March comes in like a lyon, and goes out like a lamb. 

63. Many good nights is loth away. 

Spoken by those who, by reason of some accident, return 
after they had taken their leave. 

64. * Mastery mows the meadow down. 

Spoken when people of power and wealth effect a great 
business in a short time. 

65. Many words fill not the k farlet. 

66. Many one's coat saves their doublet. 

Spoken when clergymen use you saucily, whom, in defer- 
ence to their profession, you will not beat, as if you would 
say, Were it not for your coat, sir, &c. 

d In Scotch dead. e Shoe. f Toe. & Make an offer. 
h Relations. * Might, power. k A dry measure. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 159 

67. Mercy ! mother ! the bed's pish'd ! 

68. Married ! ruin'd ! and undone ! 

Both of them silly exclamation*, upon some ridiculous 
accident. 
09. Mickle pleasure, some pain. 

Lat. — Ut rebus laelis par sit inensura malorum. 

70. March borrowed from Averil 
Three days, and they were ill. 

It is alledg'd that the first three days of April are com- 
monly rough and intemperate, like March, and these we call 
the borrowing days. 

71. Marry above your match, and you get a master. 
A wife, above our station and condition, will be apt to de- 
spise us, think her self disgrac'd, and prove insolent. 

Lat. — Non honos est' sed onus. Species laesura lerentem. 
Si qua voles apte nubere nube pari. 

Item. — Malo te, Venusina, quam te Cornelia Mater 
Grachorum, si cum magnis virlutibus adfers, 
Grande supercilium, & numeres in dote triumphos. 

72. Make a kirk, and a mill of it. 

That is, make your best of it; it does not answer to the 
English, Make a hog or a dog of it: for that means, bring it 
either to one use, or another. 

73. May bees fly not this time o'he year. 

A return to them that say, May be, such a thing will come 
to pass; alluding to the identity of May be, and May bee. 

74. Meat and mass never hindered man. 
Eng. — Prayers and provender stop no journies. 

75. Mickle, but not manful. 

Lat. — Nulla, in tam magno corpore, mica satis. 

76. Mickle must a good heart * thole. 

77. Mickle head, little wit. 

A groundless reflection : an eminent instance to the con- 
trary was John Duke of Lauderdale. 

78. Make not mickle of little. 
Lat. Flagrantior aequo 

Non debet dolor esse viri, nee vulnere major. 

79. Many ways to kill a dog, and not to hang him. 
There be many ways to bring about one and the same thing, 

or business. 

80. Mickle power makes many enemies. 

Occasion'd partly by envy, partly by fear. 

~ I Suffer. 

V2 



160 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Lat. — Necesse est ut multos timeat, quern multi tiinent. 

81. Mickle mouth'd folk are happy to their meat. 
Spoken by, or to them who come opportunely to eat with us. 

82. Maidens should be meek 'till they be married, and 

then burn kirks. 
Spoken often by way of reflection, when we say that such 
a one is a good humour'd girl, as if you would say, Observe 
bow she'll prove when she is married. 

83. m Minting gets no bairns. 

Only offering to do a tiling, is not the way to effect it. 

84. Must is for the king. 

Spoken to them that say, You must do such a thing; such 
absolute commands become no subject. 

85. Make one wrong step, and you fall to the bottom. 
A business may be mismanaged, at first, by some unlucky 

turn, so as not easily to be retriev'd. 

Eng.— He that would climb the ladder, must begin at the 
first step. 

80. Many littles make a mickle. 
Lat. — Ex grains fit acervus. 
Item. — Adde parum parvo, magnus acervus erit. 

87. " Mows may come to earnest. 

What you speak in jest, may come to be done in reality. 

88. March ° whisker was never a good fisher. 

An old proverb signifying that a windy March is a token 
of a bad fish year. 

89. Mickle may fall between the cup aud the lip. 
This is an old Greek proverb, signifying that a project may 

come to be spoil'd just at the point of finishing. Seme ser* 
vants, being oppressed making a new Tineyard, one of them 
told his master, that he should never taste the wine of it. 
When the wine was ready, the master takes a glass of it in his 
hand, but would not drink it till that servant should b© 
call'd, but before he drunk there came word in, that a wild 
boar had broken into his vineyard; upon which he set aside 
the cup, and went to chase him out, but was kill'd by him. 
Lat. — Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque labra. 

90. Make not two mews of one daughter. 

This is iu the old Scottish Collection, the sense I do not 
understand, unless it be spoken to them who think to oblige 
two different persons with one and the same benefit, taken 
from the Latin, 

m Offering. n Jesting. ° Blusterer. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. l6l 

Eajdein filiae duos generos parare. 

91. Many a dog dead since you were a whelp. 

92. More shew than substance. 

93. Many irons in the fire, some must cool. 

When men have too many works in hand, too many offices, 
or employments, some must be neglected. 

94. Many one talks of Robin Hood that never shot in 

his bow: 
And as many of Little John that never did him 

know. 
Many talk of these exploits that they know little of. 
Lat. — Non omnes, qui cytheram teneat, cythenedi. 

95. Measure twice, cut but once. 

Take good deliberation before you fall to actual execution. 

96. Mocking is catching. 

Spoken to discourage people from mimicking any man's 
imperfections, lest you contract a habit of them. A memo- 
rable instance 1 know of this just now, in a boy who got a 
habit of winking by mimicking a boy that did so ; a habit of 
snuffing ungracefully with his nose, by mimicking his usher; 
and a habit of stammering, by imitating my self. 

97. Much good do't you, and a merry go down, with 
every lump as great's my thumb. 

A facetious wish to our companions when they are eating. 

98. My p minnie has the leave o't. 

Spoken jocosely, when we have no mind to tell a thing all 
out, er sing a song to the end. 

99. Many a time have I gotten a wipe with a towel ; 

but never a i daub with a dish clout before. 
Spoken by saucy girls, when one jeers them with an un- 
worthy sweetheart. 

100. Mickle water goes by that the miller wats not of. 
That is, people who have much among their hands, -will 

have things broken, lost, and purloyned, of which they will 
not be. sensible. 

Lat. — Exigua est domus ubi non & multa supersunt, 
Et dominum fallunt, & prosunt furibus. 

101. Men is no mice. 

An encouragement to act bravely. 

102. My dancing days are done. 



p Mamma. <i A dash. 



162 8C0TTISH PROVERBS 

N. 

1. No fool to an old fool. 

Spoken when men of ad vanc'd age behave themselves, or 
talk youthfully, or wantonly. 

2. Never a barrel of better herring. 

Lat. — maxima pars homiimm morbo jaclalur eadeia. 

3. Narrow gathered, widely spent. 

Wealih, gotten by loo much sparing, comes often to be 
•widely squandered. 

4. Need makes a naked man run. 
Eng. — Need makes the old wife trot. 
Lat. — Durum telum necessitas. 

5. No rule so good as rule of thumb, if it hit. 

But it seldom hits! Spoken when a thing falls out to be 
right, which we did at a venture. 

6. Nothing is a bare man. 

A jocose answer to children, when they say they have got- 
ten nothing. 

Lat. — Non entis nullae sunt affectiones aut partes. 

7. No longer pipe, no longer dance. 

A reflection on those who have been advantaged by us here- 
tofore, whose kindness contiuues no longer than they are 
getting by us. 

Eng. — No longer faster, no longer friend. 

Lat. — Duni fervet olla \ivil amicitia. 

8. Near my a sark ; but nearer my skin. 
Lai. — Oiuncs sibi melius esse quani alteri. 
Item. — Tunica pailio proprior. 

&. Nature passes nurture. 

Lat. — Natnram exjjellas furca. licet, usque reenrret. 

10. ° Nipping and c scarting is Scots folks wooing. 
Wke* v vj see boys and girls jarring, we suspect them of 

some intiigue. 

Eng. — By biting and scratching cats come together. 
Lat. — Amantium irae amoris redintegratio est. 

11. Nearer God's blissing, than Carlisle fair. 

You need but go to your closet for the one,'but you must 
go out of the kingdom for the other. 

12. None worse sho'd than the shoemaker's wife, and 
the smith's mare. 

8 Shirt, b Pinching. c Scratching. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 163 

Spoken when people are scarce of what they might have 
plenty of, if they pleased. 

13. Never shew your teeth when you cannot bite. 
Never shew your resentment when you cannot do it to 

purpose. 

14. Never bite, unless you make your teeth meet. 

This, and the former, savour too much of malice and re- 
venge. Vile unchristian vices. The more noble way is to 
forget and to forgive. 

15. No man can live longer in peace than his neigh- 
bour pleases. 

For an ill neighbour, with his scolding, noise, complaints, 
law-suits; and indictments, may be very troublesome. 

Eng. — You must ask vour neighbour if you'll live in peace. 

16. Never came a hearty fart out of the wren's arse. 
Spoken when niggardly people give some insignificant gift. 

17. No d larlie dirt go dear, when a fait cost five 

shillings. 
A salyrical expression of great folks, when those, of a 
meaner birth, pretend to ednealion, breeding, or fine cloalhs. 
Lat — Si tanli vitrum, qtianti margaritum. 

18. Never shew me the meat, but shew me the man. 
If a man be fat, plump, and in good liking, 1 shall not ask 

what keeping he has had. And on the contrary, 
Lat. — Non verbis, sed factis probari vnlt graecia. 

19. No penny, no pater noster. 

20. No pains, no gains. 

21. No profit, e but pains. 

There are many others to this purpose. 

Eng. — No pa\', no service. 

Item. — No sweat, no sweet. 

Lat. — Non lit sine periculofacimns memorabile & magnum. 

Item. — Nil sine magno vita I above dedit mortalibus. 

22. Nobility, without ability, is like a padding want- 
ing f suet. 

Both want the principal ingredient. 

Lat. — Et genus & forma, nisi cum re, vilior alga est. 

23. No worse happen you, than your own prayers. 
Spoken to them that curse you, wishing that it may happen 

so ill to them as they wish to you. 

24. Never scald your lips "in other folks kail. 



Wonder. e Without. t Fat. 



164 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Do not officiously meddle in other folks business. 
Lat. — Quod tua nil referl, percunclari desinas. 

25. Never a poor man of his kin. 

Spoken of those who, in their cups and airs boast mightily, 
and talk highly. 

Lat. — rQuid non ebriatus designat, aperta recludit, 

Spes jubet esse ratiis, in praeliatrudit inerniem, 
Facundi calices qnem non fecere diseitum. 
Item. — Quis post vina patiperiein crepat. 

26. Never marry a widow, unless her first husband 

was hang'd. 
Lest she upbraid jow with him, and sing you an old Scot- 
tish song : You will never be like our old good man. 

27. New lords, new laws. 

The sense of this proverb is pretty well known. 
Lat. — Novus rex, nova lex. 

28. Never is a long term. 

29. No body will come after you, that will set a longer 
term. 

Both spoken to them that say they will never get such a 
thing effected. 

30. Nothing comes fairer to light, than that which 

has been long hid. 
Spoken when people unexpectedly find what has been long 
hid, or discover what has been long conceal'd. 

3 1 . Never break out of kind, to make your friends 
■* farlie on you. 

Spoken to them that follow the ill qualities of their parents. 

32. Nearest the kirk, fairest from God. 

Spoken to them who do not take these advantages, that 
they might easily have had. 

33. No haste, but of well fair. 

34. No more haste than good speed. 

35. Nothing to be done in haste, but gripping of fleas. 
These three spoken when we are unreasonably urged to 

make iiasle. 

Eug. — Let us take more time, that we may have the sooner 
done. 

Lat. — Festina lente. 

Item. — Canis festinans caecos parit calulos. 

36. Never say ill fellow deals thou. 

I Wonder at you. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 165 

I have made yon so good a proffer, that you have no reason 
to call me an ill fellow. 

37. No great loss h bat seme small profit. 
Lat. — Nil adeo fortuna gravis miserable fecit. 

Ut minuant nuila gaudia parte malutn. 
Item, — Malo aliquis fuil usus in illo. 

38. No safe wading- in * uncouth waters. 

It is no wisdom to engage with dangers that we are not 
acquainted with. 

39. No friend to a bosom friend ; no enemy to a bosom 

enemy. 

40. No friend to a friend in k mister. 
Lat. — Amicus certus in re incerla cernitur. 

Eng. — A fivnd is never known 'till a man have need. 

41. No fault but the cat had a clean band, she ' sets 

a bonnet much so m eel. 
Ironically spoken to I hem who pivfeiid to do, have, or 
wear, what does not become them. 

42. Never trust much to a new friend, or an old enemy. 
You know not how far the one may extend his love, or the 

other has suppress'd his enmity. 

43. Nothing ill to be done, when will is at home. 
Will is a readiness to act, and Will is a diminutive of 

William. They will say facetiously, 1 wish that lad was at 
home ; meaning Will, 

Eng. — Nothing difficult to a willing mind. 

44. Never open your pack, and sell no wares. 
Never proffer your service, where it is not likely to ba 

accepted. 

45. Never m let on you, but laugh. 

Spoken when people are jeering our projects, pretensions 
and designs. As if you would say, Laugh you on, but 1 will 
effect it. 

46. Nothing gotten n but pains, but an ill name. 

1 have seeu people at pains and cost too, to get that itself. 

47. Nothing like stark dead. 

A vile malicious proverb ! first used by Captain James 
Stewart, against the noble Earl of Morton ; and afterwards 
apply'd to the Earl of Strafford, and A. B. Laud. 

Lai. — Murtui non mordent. 

48. Never good egg, or ° burd. 

h Without. * Strange. k Need. * Becomes. m Trouble 
yourself about it. n Without. ° Chicken. 



166 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken of bad boys, when they become worse men. 

49. Nothing to do, but draw out, and loup on. 
Spoken ironically to them who think a tiling easy to be done, 

where yet they may meet with great difficulties. 

50. No more to do but p ha'se, and go to i gody. 
Taken from the fondling words of nurses to their children. 

Spoken when people, all of a suddain contract a friendship 
and familiarity, which we suspect will not be lasting. 

51. No sooner up, but her head in the r ambry. 
Spoken of or to maidens, who have too early a stomach. 

52. Never kiss a man's wife, nor wipe his knife, for 
he will be likely to do both after you. 

53. Neither fish nor flesh, nor good red herring. 
That is, stark naught. 

54. Nothing so s crouse, as a new washen louse. 
Spoken of them who have been ragged and dirty, and are 

proud, and fond of new or clean cloaths. 
5^. Nothing enters into a close hand. 

Niggardly people will not procure muob good will. 

56. Nobody 'riving your cloalhs. 

Nobody will force you against your will ; apply'd to several 
things, especially to maidens who declare against marriage. 

57. No body will make a bore, but you'll get a pin 
for it. 

Spoken of those who are ready with their answers and ex- 
cuses. 

Eng. — Find you without an excuse, and find a bare without 
a muse. 

58. Never look for a wife, 'till you have a house, and 

a fire to put her in. 
The jest is in a fire to put her in, a house to put her in, 
and a fire to set her by. 

Eng. — Before thou marry, be sure of a house whereto tarry. 

59. Never go to the dee'l, and a dish-cloat in your 

hand. 

If you will be a knave, be not in a trifle, but in something 
of value. A presbyterian minister had a son who was made 
archdeacon of Ossery ; when this was told to bis father, he 
said, If my son will be a knave, I am glad that he is an arch- 
knave. This has the same sense, 

As good be haug'd for an old sheep as a young lamb. 

P Come in arms. 1 Godmother. r Cup-board. 
» Merry, hearty. * Tearing, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 167 

Lat. — Aude aliquid brevibus gyaris, vel carcere dignuin, 
Si vis esse aliquid. 

60. Never put a sword in a wood-man's hand. 
Lat. — Ne puero gladiuin. 

61. Never meet, never pay. 

Spoken when we supply a friend in bis need, and with a 
free heart. 

62. Nothing makes a man sooner old like, than sitting 
ill to his meat. 

Spoken when people sit inconveniently at table. To sit ill 
to one's meat, in Scotch, is to be ill kept. 

63. Never came a wife well pleas'd from the mill but 
one, and she broke her neck. 

A word commonly said to wives when they come from the 
mill, but the occasion, sense, o- meaning of it I know not. 

64. Never say go, but l gang. 

Eng. — If you would have your errand done, send your ser- 
vant ; 

If you would have it well done, go yourself. 

65. No "farlie you say so to me, you said many times 

so to your mother. 
A satyrical answer to those that call us by opprobrious 
names, as if they used to call their mothers by such names. 

66. Need makes greed. 

Want is a temptation to covetousness. 

67. No man can find his marrow in the v kirn so well 

as he that has been there himself. 
Spoken to those who suspect us guilt} 7 of a thing, in which 
they take measure of us by their practices and inclinations. 

68. Nearest the heart, nearest the mouth. 

Spoken to them who, designing to name one person, by mis- 
take names another, perhaps a mistress or sweetheart. 

69. None to you, but our dog Sorkie, and he's dead, 

and you're matchless. 
A taunt to them that boast what they can do. 

70. No body should drink, but them that can drink. 
A reflection upon them that are soon drunk, or ill-natured 

in their cups. 

71. Never take a stone to break an egg, when you 

can do it with the back of your knife. 
Lat. — Frustra sit per plura, quod, aeque commode, fieri 
potest per pauciora. 

1 Go yourself. u Wonder. v Churn. 



168 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

72. Never take the w taws, when a word will do the 

turn. 

Severity ought never to be used, where fair means will 
prevail. 

Lat. — Pudore & libertale liberos retinerc satius esse credo 
quam metii 

73. No body will ever take you for a conjurer. 
Spoken to them who look blockish and sheepish. 

. 74. Necessity has no law. 

Spoken when people are forc'd upon a method, which other- 
ways they would not take. 

Eug. — No fence against a flail. 

75. Nothing so bold as a blind mare. 
Eng. — Who so bold as blind Byard. 
Lat. — Dulce bellnm inexpertis. 

76. No man hath a lease of his life. 

Lat — Vilainancipiiim nulli, omnibus usui, datur. 

77. No weather ill, if the wind be still. 

78. Neck or nothing, for the king loves no cripples. 
A prophane jest upon those who are like to fall, wishing that 

they may either break their neck, or come off safe ; for break- 
ing a limb will make them useless subjects. 

79. Never too late to learn. 

Lat. — Nuuquam sera est ad bonos mores via. 

80. None can play the fool so well as the wise man. 
Lat. — Misce consiliis stultitiam brevem. 

Dulce est desipere in loco. 

81. No flying without wings. 

A man cannot thrive and prosper in the world, that has no 
slock or support. 

82. Not God above gets all men's love. 

Lat. — J upiter neque plnens,neque abstinens, omnibus placet. 

83. No butter will stick to my bread. 
Spoken when all means we use to thrive miscarry. 

84. Never pour water on a drown'd mouse. 
Never insult over those who are down already. 

85. Nothing freer than a gift. 

86. No jesting with edg'd tools* 

It is no safe jesting with powerful men, or sacred things. 
Lat. — In re seria jocandum nou est. 
Item. — Noli ludere cum sacris. 



w A leather used instead of a rod. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 169 

87. Never strive against the stream. 

Lat. — Dum furor in cursu est, currcnti cede furori. 

88. Neither rhyme nor reason. 

89. Nature hates all suddain changes. 

It is uot safe for a man to change in 'As diet, behaviour, or 
way of living suddainly, from oue extreme to another. 

90. No man can make his own hap. 

91. No reply is best. 

Spoken by sedate and even-temper'd men, when abused by 
others. 

92. Need makes virtue. 

93. Never make x toom y rnsie. 

Never boast, or brag of that, which you have not, or can- 
not do. 

94. Nineteen nay says of a maiden is but Haifa grant. 
Spoken to encourage those who have had a denial from their 

mistress to attack them again. 

95. Now is now, and jute's in winter. 

A return to them that say Now, by way of resentment; a 
particle common iu Scotland. 

o. 

1. One beggar is ay wo, that another by the a gate go. 
Eng — Two of a trade will never agree. 

Lat. — Figulus ligulo invidet. 

2. Out of the b peat-pot iuto the mire. 
Eng. — Out of the frying pan into the lire. 
Lat. — E fumo in flaininam. 

There is au English proverb that I have seen to this pur- 
pose, but I do not understand it, viz. 

Out of God's blessing into the warm sun. 

3. One man may lead a horse to the water, but four 

and twenty will not make him drink. 
You may force the outward compliance, but not the will. 
Lat. — Voluntas non potest cogi. 

4. O'er lnickie of c yee thing is good for d nething. 
Eng. — Too much breaks the bag, 

Lai. — Ne quid nimis. 

5. O'er strong meat for your weak stomach. 
Commonly spoken to old men, when they incline to marry 

young girls. 

x Empty. 5 Commendation. a Way. b The hole 
you dig peal or turf out of. e One. d Nothing. 



170 SCOTTISH PJIOVERBS 

6. One scabbed sheep will e smite all the flock. 

And one facetious fellow will mislead a whole community. 
Lat. — Uvaque oonspecla livorem ducit abuva. 

7. One wit bought is worth two for naught. 
Eng. — Wit once bought is worth twice taught. 

8. One man's meat is another man's poison. 
Eng. — One man's breath is another man's death. 

9. Oft f etle, whiles hit. 

People who have made many trials to do a thing, maj hit- 
right at last. 

10. Old men are twice bairns. 
Lat. — Bis pueri senes. 

1 1. Old sins breed new shame. 

It were well they always would ; for then they might breed 
repentance also. 

12. One good turn deserves another. 

Lat. — Beneficium, qui dare nescit, injosta petit. 

13. Out of debt out of danger. 

14. Out of sight out of langour. 
Eng. — Long abseul, soon forgotten. 

Lat. — Qui procul al> oculis, procul est a limite cordis. 

15. One pair of heels is worth two pair of hands by a 

time. 
Especially to them who are better at fleeing than fighting. 

16. Open confession is good for the soul. 
Spoken ironically to them thai boast of their ill deeds. 

17. O'er mickle hameliness spills courtesy. 
In the old Scottish Collection it is, 

18- O'er great familiarity genders despite. 

From the Latin, Nimia familiaritas conlemptnm pant. 

Eng. — Play with your servant at home, and he'll play with 
you abroad. 
19. One year a nurse, and seven years a & daw. 

Because that year will give her a habit of idleness. 
29. Old wives, and bairns are fool the physicians. 

Children cannot tell where their ailment lies, and old wo- 
men are sick of a disease past the physicians skill. 
21. One hand is no hand. 

In the Scottish dialect, Yee hand is nee band ; that is, one 
hand, where there is no help, can dispatch but little work. 

Lat. — Unus vir, nullus vir. 

Eng. — One and none is all one. 

e Infect. { Aim. * Slut, or a lazy drab. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 171 

22. One fool makes many. 

By diverting lliem from their proper business. 

23. Once paid never erav'd. 

In llie Scottish dialect, Aues pay't ne'er cree'tj pay your 
debts, and prevent dunning. 

24. Of all ills the least is the best 
Lat. — E malis minimum eligendum. 

25. Old wives was a}' good maidens. 

Old people will always be,-boasting what fine feats they did 
•when they were young. The character of the old man in 
Horace is, 

Laudrilur temporis acli 

Se puero, censor, castigalorque minorum. 

26. Once a whore and ay a whore. 

Lat. — L^sa pndicitia nulla est reparabilis arte. 

27. Oft counting keeps friends long together. 

Old and intricate accounts are often the cause of mi sunder- 
standing, which often adjusting prevents. 

28. Of all sorrows a full sorrow is the best. 
Spoken when friends die and leave good legacies. 

29. One thing said, and another thing seen. 
Spoken when we convince a man of his mistake by plaia 

matter of fact. 

30. Once h wood and ay the ' warr. 

They who have once been mad will seldom have their senses 
sound and well again. 

31. O'er k hally was hang'd ; but rough and 1 sonsie 

1,1 wan away. 
Spoken against too precise people ; as if those Qf less pre- 
tensions were more to be trusted. 

Quisquis plus juslo non sapit ; ille sapit. 

32. O'ersciker, o'er lose. 

The method taken to secure a thing often makes it miscarry. 

33. Of enough men leave. 

They who leave no scraps can hardly be said to have enough. 

34. One does the skathe, and another gets the scorn. 
Spoken when one is blam'd for another man's mistake. 
Kh^. — He struck at Tib, and down tell Tom. 

Lai. — Faber cadit, cum ferias fullonem 

35. One may think that dares not. speak. 
Lat. — Opinionis poeuam nemo peudit. 



h Mad. ! Worse. * Holy. » Lucky. ■ Got. 
«2 



172 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

36. Once an use and ever a custom. 

Therefore an ill use ought to be early broken off. 
Eng. — An ill custom is like a good cake, better broken 
than kept. 

37. One of the court but none of the counsel. 

Oae of the party, but not admitted into their secrets and 
intrigues. 

38. O'er fiuea purse to put a n plack in. 

Spoken when one builds a magnificent house upon a small 
estate. 

39. Oft times the ° cautioner pays the debt. 

Not only a caution against suretiship, but often a return 
to them who say they'll be caution (that is, bail) that we will 
come to some ill accident. In the first sense it answers the 
English, 

He that would be master of his own must not bo bound for 
another 

40. O'er late to spare, when the bottom is bare. 
Lat. — Sera est in fundo parsimonia. 

41. Old p spring's give no price. 

Spoken when old people or things are despised. 

42. On painting and fighting- look ^abigh. 

It is dangerous to be near the one, and if we look near the 
other it loseth much of its advantage. 

43. Our sins, and our debts, are often more than we 
think. 

We are too apt. to have too good an opinion of our condi- 
tion, both in reference to this world and another. 

44. Out the high gate is ay fair play. 
Downright honesty is both best and safest. 
Solomon, He that walks uprightly, walks surely. 
Kng. — Honesty is the best policy. 

45. One r scon of a baking is enough. 

It is unreasonable to expect two gratuities out of one thing. 

46. Old use and wont, legs about the fire. 

. A reflection on them who persevere in a bad cuslom. 

47. O'er narrow counting 8 culzies no kindness. 
When people deal in rigour with us, we think ourselves 

but little oblig'd to theei. 

48. Of ill debtors men take oaths. 

n Two sixths of a penny. ° Surety. P Tunes. 1 Off 
at a side. r Cake. s In Scotch pronounced culyies, it sig- 
nifies to elicit, draw forth, or procure. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 173 

That is, swearing to pay you such a time : and men must 
lake these promises when they can get no more. 

49. One half of the world kens not how the other lives. 
Men bred to ease and luxury are not sensible of the mean 

condition of a great many. 

50. Once away, and ay away. 

This is both a proverb and a proverbial phrase ; as a pro- 
verb it signifies that no private authority can stop that which 
has once been allowed to be a publick road. As a phrase, it 
signifies that a thing is quite gone. 

51. Of bairns gilts be not l fain. 

No sooner they give them but they seek them 
again. 

52. Our "sowins are ill sowr'd, ill v seil'd, ill sailed, 
ill soden, thin, and few o'them. You may stay 
all night, but you may go home if you like. It is 
well ken'd your lather's son was never a w scam- 
bler. 

This was a speech of a country woman of mine, to a guest 
that she would gladly have shaken off, and being so oddly ex- 
press'd, it became a proverb, which we repeat when we think 
our friend does not entertain us heartily. 

53. Out of x Davy Lindsey into Wallace. 

Spoken wheu people run out of one subject into another. 

54. Of all meat in the world, drink goes the best down. 
A facetious bull when we drink heartily after meat. 

55. O'er mickle cook'ry spills the > bruise. 

When people would do a thing loo well, they often spoilit. 
Eng. — A right Englishman ! He knows not when a thing is 
well enough. 

Lat. — Curando fieri qnaedam pejora videmus, 
Vulnera; quae melius nou teligissefuit. 

56. Of all the fish in the sea, herring is the king. 

57. One good turn will meet another, if it were at th& 
bridge of Loudon. 

58. One never loses by doing a good turn. 

Both spoken by them who make a return for former favours. 

* Glad. « Flumm'ry. v Strain'd. w One that 

goes about among his friends for meat, by the Irish call'd a 
eosherer. x Two Scottish books that children learn to 

read by. y Broth, a word that a Scottish man cannot speH, 
nor an Englishman pronounce. 
Q3 



J74 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

59. Owe the mare, owe the bear, let the filly eat there. 
Spoken when we see a man's goods squandered by his own 

people. 

60. Of all wars peace is the end. 

Spoken by them that would compose a law suit, or recon- 
cile those who have had an outfall. It is not the same with 
the following-, 

Lai — Pun. quaeritar bel'.o. 

61. Old debts are better than old sores. 
The one may be paid, and the other will ake. 

62. One swallow makes no summer. 
Lat. — Una hirundo non facit ver. 

63. One hand will not wash the other for nothing. 
Lat. — Manns manum fricat. 

64. One beats the bush, and another grips the bird. 
Spoken when one reaps the effects of another man's labour. 

65. Oppression will make a wise man mad. 

66. One hour's cold will spoil seveii years warming. 

67. Of a little take a little. 

68. Oh for a drop of gentle blood, that I may wear a 
black bit above my brow. 

In Scotland no woman is suffered to wear a silk hood, unless 
she be a gentlewoman, lliatis : a gentleman's daughter, or mar- 
ried to a gentleman. A rich m.iid having the offer of a wealthy 
yeoman, or a bare gentleman, wish'd for the la-t to qualify 
her to wear a black hood. It is since spoken to such wealthy 
maidens, upon the like occasion. 



1. Peel the kirk, and a thick the quire. 

Eng. — Rob Peter and pay Paul. 

2. Pride never left his masti r without a fall. 

Proud people often meet with very humbling circumstances. 
Lat. — Sequitur superbos ullor a lergo deus. 

3. Pride and grace dwelt never it; one place. 

4. Pride, in a poor briest, has mickle dolour to b dree. 

5. Pride and laziness would have mickle upholding. 
Pride reqnires ornament, and lazauess service. 

6. Pride finds no cold. 

Spoken heretofore to young women, when, in compliance 
with the fashion, they went with their breasts and shoulders 

a Thatch. b Suffer. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 1?5 

bare ; and may now be apply'd lo beans with their open 
breasls, and ladies with their extravagant hoops. 

7. Pride c but profit, wear shooti and go bare foot.. 
Spoken wlien people have something fine about them, but 

the rest shabby. 

8. Flay is good, but d da {fin e dow not. 

Spoken lo them who are silly and impertinently foolish in 
their play. 

9. Puddings, and paramours, should be hotly handled. 
Puddings, when cold, are uneatable, and love, when cold- 
rife, is near the breaking ©ff. 

10. Put your hand no farther than your sleeve will 
reach. 

That is, spend no more than your estate will bear. 

Eng. — Stretch your legs according to your coverlid. 

Lat. — Mcliri se quemque suo modulo ac pede verum est. 

Item. — Messe teiuis propria vive. 

Item. — Intra tuam pelliculam te contine. 

Item. — Sumpliis censum ne superet. 

1 1. Poets and painters have leave to lye. 
Eng. — Poets and painters lye with license. 
Lat. — Pictoribus atque poetis 

Quidlibet audendi semper fuitaequa poleslas. 

12. f Poortha parts friends. 

At least makes them very coldrife. 

13. Put your hand in the creel, and take out either 

an adder or an eci. 
Spoken of taking a wife, where no cunning, art, or sense 
«an secure a good choice, but must be taken for better and 
worse. 

14. Pay beforehand was never well serv'd. 

It is common to see tradesmen and labourers to go about 
a piece of work with great uneasiness, which is to pay a just 
debt, and say, grudgingly, I work for a dead horse. 

15. Pray to God to help you, and put your hand to 
work. 

Lat. — Manusadmoventi fortuna imploranda est. 

16. f Poortha is a pain, but no disgrace. 
Unless it be the effects of laziness and luxury. 

17. Poor be your ineal poke, and ay your nieve in 

the nook o't. Otherways, in the nether end of it. 



Without. d Folly. e Of no use. f Poverty. 



176 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

A jocose imprecation to them who call us poor ; as poor 
boy ! poor Jack ! pretending to pity ns. 

18. & Pith is good in all plays, but threading of needles. 
Lat. — Robur cum ingenio uonjungciiduui. 

19. Possession is eleven points of the law. 

20. Possession is worth an iil charter. . 

The law supposes the person in possession to be the right 
owner, till the contrary appear. 

Eng. — 1 would not give a collage in possession for a palace 
iu reversion. 

Lai. — Possessors est pars potior. 

21. Pat jour thanks in your shanks, and make good 
great legs of them. 

A coldrife answer to those that offer thanks for payment. 

Eng.- — Keep vour thanks to feed jour chickens. 

Lat. — Nihil citins peril ipjam gratia. 
22- Put another man's child in your bosom, and be 
will creep out at your sleeve. 

This is but an ill-natured proverb, though it proves often 
too true. 

23. Poor folks are soon pish'd on. 

Because they want ability themselves, and have few to take 
their part. 

Lai. — Liberlas pauperis ha?c est, 

Pulsatus ut roget, & pugnrs concisus adoret. 

24. Poor folk is fain of little. 
Because they have no hopes to get much- 

25. Peter in, Paul out. 

Spoken when after we had wanted a necessary person a 
long lime, upon his arrival, another equally necessary is gone. 
Eng. — In doc;k, out nettle. 

26. Poor folks friends soon miskens them. 
Lat. — Mendico neparenlcs quidem amici sunt. 

27. Put on your spurs, and be at your speed. 
A word of defiance, do ^our besl. 

28. Put your tongue in my arse, and '' worry me to 
* dead. 

« A contemptuous relurn to him that threatens to beat us. 

29. k Poortha with patience is less painful. 
Lat. — Leve fit, quod bene fertur, onus. 



$ Strength. h Choke. » Death. k Poverty. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 177 

30. Praise, 'but profit, puts little in the pot. 

Lat. — Gloria quanta libet quid eril? si gloria sola est, 

31. Poorly sits richly warms. 

.Spoken when people sil < n .. low stool before the fire. 

32. Puddings and wort arc ready dirt. 

A word of eontempt when you aro ill pleased with a person, 
thing, or action. 

33. Put your finger in the fire, and say it was your 
fortune. 

Spoken to them who lay the blame of their crimes, and 
mismanagements, on their hard fortune. Whereas, 
Fortunam superat virtus, prtidenlia fatuin. 

34. Pish and fart, sound at the heart. 
Taken from Scbola Salernitana. 

Mingere cum Lombis res est salvissima lumbis. 

35. Pishing, and pills wagging, puts the day away. 
Spoken when people trifle away their time, that they should^ 

bestow on their necessary business. 

36. Play carle again, if you dare. 

Do not dare to offer to contest with me. Spoke by parents 
to stubborn children. 

37. Put a coward to his metal, and he'll fight the-dee'I. 
38.- m Plenty makes n dainty. 

When people have variety of many meats, or abundance of 
one sort, they are nice and delicate, and undervalue what 
they have in abundance. T.ie English teems contrary to 
this, yet means the same thing, Plenty is no dainty. 

39. Put two pennys in a purse, and they will draw 

together. 
Wben people have purchased any little sum of money it 
will easily eucrease. Apply'd sometimes when rich men 
marry rich women. 

40. Play with your ° playfeers. 

Spoken to young people when they offer to be roguish 
upon, or play loo saucily will), old people. 

41. Provision in season makes a rich house. 
Because every thing is gotten at the easiest rale. 

42. Penny wise, pound fooi. 

Spoken when people by saving a Utile cost incur a great 
deal more damage. 



1 Without. m Here it signifies .variely. n Makes 
curious in our taste. ° Fellows. 



178 SCOTTISH PROVERfcS 

43» Poor men have no souls. 

Tliis is an old proverb in the Lime of popVf when the poor' 
had no masses, or dii ige's said for them. 
44. Put the saddle on the right horse. 

Spoken when we are blamed for the miscarriages thai were 
occasioned bv others. 

Q. 

1. Quick at meat, quick at work. 

Neither this, nor its reverse, holds always. 

2. Quick, for you'll ne'er be cleanly. 

That is, do a thing nimbly, for you'll never do it neatly. 

3. Quality, without quantity, is little thought of. 
Eat. — Et genus & forma, nisi cum re, vilior alga est. 

4. Quick returns make rich merchants. 
Eng. — Many ventures make a full fraught. 

Often ironically apply'd to them, who having been drunk, 
and having slept themselves sober, go to it again. 

R, 

1. a Ruse the fair day at night. 

Commend not a thing, or project, 'till it has had its full 
eft'ect. 

Eng. — It is not good praising the ford,- 'till a man be over, 
item. — He had never a bad day, who had a goodnight. 

2. Raise no more dee'ls than you are able to b lay. 
Do not stir up a strife, that you will not afterward be able 

to appease. 

3. Refer my coat, and lose a sleeve. 

Arbitrators, for the belter accommodation of business, make 
both parlies abate of their pretensions. 

4. Rich folk have many friends. 
Many of whom are but flatterers. 

5. Ride fair, and c jaap none. 

Taken from riding through a puddle 3 but apply'd to tow 
home jesting. 

6. Rome was not big'd in a day. 

Great attempts cannot be atcliieved in a short time. 

7. Rather d spill your jest, than e spite your friend. 
Eng. — Better lose a jest than friend. 

8. Rob. Gibbs's contract, stark love and kindness. 

* Praise. b Conjure. c Throw not the dirt about yon, 
«i Spoil. c Provoke. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 179 

An expression often used when we drink to our friend. 

9. f Ruse the ford as you find it. 

Commend men as you have them averse, or favourable to 
y our interest. 

10. Rne and thyme grow both in a garden. 

A persuasion to repent and give over an attempt before it 
be too late, alluding to the sound of ll e two herbs here nam'd. 

11. Rule youth well, for age will rule it self. 

Youth is rash and head-strong, but age sober and stedfast. 
Lat. — Est opus ardentetn fraenis arcere juveutam. 
They say also, 
Hue in thyme should be a maiden's S posie. 

12. Remove an old tree, and it will wither. 

Spoken by a man who is loth to leave a place in his ad- 
vanced years, in which he had long liv'd. 
)3. Rot him away with butter and eggs. 

A jocose advice to a young woman, to get rid of an old 
husband. 

14. h Rackless youth makes rueful age. 

People who live loo fast when they are young, will neither 
have a vigorous, nor a comfortable old age. 
Eng. — Young men's knocks eld men feel. 

15. ' Reavers should not be rncrs. 

They who are so fond of a thing as to snap greedily at it, 
should not repent that they have got it. 

16. Raw k dawds make fat lads. 

There is little sense in this. Spoken wheu we give a good 
piece of meat to a young boy. 

17. Right mixture makes good mortar. 
Spoken when we mix our drink. 

18. Reckon your winning by your bad stock. 
Spoken when gamesters reckon their winning before the 

play be ended. 

19. Raw leather will stretch. 

20. Reckon money after all your kin. 

21. Right Roger, sow's good mutton. 

22. Remember me to all that ask for me,butl>lade me 

in no bod/s teeth. 

23. Remember ine to your bedfellow when you lye 

alone. 

24. Remember man and keep in mind, 
A faithful friend is hard to find. 

' Commend. S Nosegay. h Heedless. * Robbers. - 
k Large pieces. 



ISO SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

S. 

1. Sail quoth the king, hold quoth the wind. 

That unaccountable creature, which God brings out of his 
treasures, cannot be commanded by mortal power. 

2. Suddain friendship, sure repentance. 
Eng. — If 30U trust before you try, 

Yen may rcpei.l before yon die. 
Lat. — Subita amicilia raro sine paenilentia colitur. 

3. She's an old wife that wats her a weird. 

None can know what may come of them, and what they may 
come to, before they die. 

Lat. Dicique beatus 

Anle obi turn nemo, supremaqoe funera, debet. 

4. b Speer at Jack Thief if I be a c leal man. 
Spoken when men appeal for a character to them who are 

their associates, or as bad as themselves. 

5. Short folk are soon angry. 

6. Short folks heart is soon at their mouth. 

It isalledg'd that people of a low stature are pettish, pas- 
sionate, and fiery. 

Eng. — A liille pot is soon hot. 

7. Stook the stable door when the steed is stol'n. 
Spoken when people sliew that care and concern after the 

loss of a thing, which had been belter laid out before. 
Lat. — Accepto, claudenda estjanua, damno. 

8. Strike as ye feed, and that's but soberly. 

A reproof to them that correct those over whom they have 
no power. 
i). Some body will comb your head backward yet. 

Spoken by mothers to stubborn daughters; intimating they 
will come under the hands of a step mother, wiio, it is likely, 
will not deal too tenderly with them. 

10. Sore cravers are ay ill payers. 

This proverb, and the reverse, viz 111 payers are sore 
cravers, I have never yet seen fail. 

11. a Sturt follows all extremes. 

j at. — Moderala probamus, excessns fitaper araus. 

12. Slow at meat, slow at work; 

13. Slander always leaves a shir. 
ftn?. — Throw much dirt some will slick. 

Lat. — Calumniare audacter, aiiquid adkasrebil. 

a Fortune. b Ask. e Honest. d Trouble. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 181 

14. e Scarring, and eating, wants but a beginning. 
Spoken when people eat more than they thought they could, 

or to persuade people of weak stomachs to begin. 

15. Sorrow and an ill like, makes soon an old wife. 
Lat. — Cura fecit canos, quamvis homo non habet annos. 

16. Soure plumbs quoth the tod, when he could not 

climb the tree. 
Spoken when people vilify what they would gladly have, 
but cannot come by. 

17. Sowters and taylors txmnt by the hour. 

Spoken when people offer to break company, because suck 
an hour is past. 

18. Smooth waters run deep. 

Spoken to er of them who seem demure, yet are suspected 
to be roguish. 

Lai.— Cave tibi a muto, a qaaque silente. 

19. She's a maiden as the man left her. 

Intimating that she is a whore. 

2'J. Send you to the sea, and you will not get salt 
water. 
Spoken when people foolishly come short of their errand. 
2t. Satan reproves sin. 

Spoken when we are reproved by wicked men. 
.Lat. — Unde tibi frontem, libertalemque parentis 
Cum facias pejora senex. 

22. Set a stout heart to a f stay ? brea. 

Set about a difficult business with courage aud constancy. 

Eng. — Set a hard heart against a hard hap 

Lat. — Tu ne cede maiis, sed contra audeulior ilo 

Quam lua te fortuna sir.il. 
Item. — Korliaque adversus opponite pectora rebus. 

23. Speak the truth, and shame the dee'l. 

Spoken to hearten people who are afraid of offending some 
great person by their evidence. 

24. Shame's past the shed of your hair. 
Spoken to people impudent, and past blushing. 
Lat, — Sanguinis in facie non hoeret gtiUa: moranlur 

Pauci ridicultim, & fugientem ex urbe pudorem. 

25. Soon ripe, soosi rotten. 

Taken from somnur fruit, and signifies that they who soon 
«oine to man's Mature, sense, and wit, will not be long lif'd. 

e Scratching. 'Sleep. £ Brow, bill, rising. 

A 



182 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

26. Send, and fetch. 
Lat. — Da, si vis accipere. 

27. Scorn comes commonly with skathe. 

Spoken when one gets a hurt, and another laughs at it. 

28. Start at a staw, and h loup o'er a* bink. 
Scruple at small things, and be guilty of greater. 
Strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 

Hudibras. Gospel preaching times, 

When slightest sins are greatest crimes. 

29. k Sain your self from the dee'l, and the laird's 
bairns. 

A cantion of poor people to their children, how they med- 
dle with their superiors ; for, if they hurt the laird's bairns, 
they will be sure to be punished, but, if hurt by them, they 
will get no right. 

30. Soon enough to cry 1 chuck, when it is out of the 

shell. 
It is time enough to reckon on a thing when you are sure 
of it. 

Eng. — Count not your chickens before they be hatch'd. 

31. Sho'd in the cradle and barefoot in the stubble. 
Spoken of those who are tenderly used in their infancy, and 

after meet with harsher treatment. 

32. Summer is a seemly time. 

There is a second part to this proverb, but it is paultry. 

33. Stay, and drink of your m browst. 

Take a share of the mischief that you have occasioned. 

34. Salt, quoth the sowter, when he had eaten the 
cow all to the 

Spoken to them that flag, when they have almost finished a 
difficult task. 

Lat. — Turpe, devoralo bove, haerere in cauda. 

35. n Shaal waters make the greatest sound. 
And empty fellows makes the greatest noise. 
Eng. — Empty vessels sound loudest. 

36. ° Sik a man as thou would be, 

Draw thee to sik company. 
Eng. — Tell me with whom thou goest, 

And I'll tell thee what thou doest. 
Lat. — Noscitur ex socio qui non cognoscitnr ex se. 

h Jump. • A form. k Bless. l A call to their ehickens. 
m Brewing. n Shallow. ° Such. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 183 

37. Shew me the man, and I'll shew you the law. 
The sentences of judges may vary, according to the measure 

of their fear, favour, or affection. 

Eng. — As a man's befriended so is the law ended. 
Lat. — Dat veniain corvis, vexat censnra columbis. 
Item. — Pecuniosus, etiam nocens, non'datnnatur. 

38. Silence catches a mouse. 

Saying nothing, 'till you be ready to put in execution, is 
the way to shun prevention, and effect your business. 

Lat. — Quod faclurus es ea ne dixeris, frustralus eniiu 
rideberis. 

39. p Speewell, and i hae well. 
Eng. — -Hope well, and have well. 

That is, hope and expect good things, aud it will fall out 
accordingly. 

40. Serve your self 'till your bairns come to age. 

An answer to those who would have vou do them a piece 
of service, which you have no mind to. 

41. Sorrow and ill weather come unsent for. 
Spoken when a person is coming to your house, whose 

company you do not care for. 

42. r Scart ye my arse, and I'll claw your elbow. 
Sometimes it signifies doing a piece of service, and I'M do 

you another ; but oftner it is used as a contemptuous by-word, 
when an unreasonable thing is propos'd. 

43. Spend and God will send, spare and ever bare. 
Solomon says, There is that scattereth, and yet abouinleth : 

and there is some that withholdeth more than is meet, and it 
tendelh to poverty. 

44. Sweet in the bed, and sweir up in the morning, 
was never a good housewife. 

A jocose reproof (o young maids, when they lye long a bed. 

45. s Sary man, and then he f grat. 

An ironical condoleance of some trifling misfortune. 

46. Shame fall the conple, quoth the crow to her feet. 
A word of contempt, when two joyn in one fault. 

47. Say well, and do well, end with a letter, 
Say well's good, but do well's better. 

It was a bad character that was given of a certain gre a 
man, That he never said an ill word, or did a good thing. 

48. Sorrow is soon enough when it comes. 



P Bode. 1 Have. r Scratch. s Poor. * Cry'd. 

E 2 



184 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken to them who vex themselves with future dismaT ex- 
pectations. 

49. Safe is the word. 

Taken from the walch-word given among soldiers, spoken 
when we have gotten over some great difficulty. 
Lat.— Oiiinis res est in vado. 

50. Seek mickle, and get something ; seek little, and 

get nothing. 
Lat. — liiiquum petas, ut aequnm feras. 

51. u Sorrow u wit " you u wat where a blessing may 

light. 
You know not but I may have a better fortune than yoa 
think, or expect. 

Lat. Semper tibi pendeat hamus ; 

Quo minime credas gurgite piscis erit, 

52. Spit in your hand and hold fast. 

Spoken to wives, when they speak of their husband's second 
marriage. 

53. v Sticking goes not by strength, but by guiding of 
the w gooly. 

Matters are carried on rather by art than strength. 

54. Scottish men take their mark from a mischief. . 
Spoken when we say such a thing fell out, when sueh an ill 

accident came to pass. A Scottish man solicited the Prince 
of Orange to be made an ensign, for he had been a Serjeant 
ever since his highness ran away from Groll. 

55. Speak good of archers, for your father shot in a 

bow. 
Spoken to them who despise the trade, profession, or way 
of living, that their father had. 

56. x Sik man, * sik master. 
Lat. — Dignum patella operculum. 

57. y Sindle ride, tine the spurs. 

They who are not used to such a business, go about il 
awkwardly. 

58. z Start pays no debt. 

Spoken with resentment, to them who storm when we crave 
of them our just deb Is. 

59. Shame fall them that shame thinks, to do them- 

selves a good turn. 

u You can by no means know. y Slabbing. w Kitchen- 
knife. x Such. * Seldom. z Haughtiness. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 3 85 

Spoken to them that quarrel with us for doing a business 
I hat tends to our advantage,or to them who are asham'd to do so. 

60. Seek your salve where you get your sore. 
Spoken to them who are sick after drink, alias, Take a hair 

of the dog that bit you. 

61. Sik as you give me, sik you shall get, 
As you use me so will I you. 

Lat. — Ut sementum feceris ita & metes. 

62. Swear by your burn'd shins. 

Spoken with coutempt to them that swear they will do such 
or such a mischief. 

63. Silks and sattins put out the kitchin fire. 
Commonly spoken by servants, when they think that their 

masters and mistresses extravagant cloaths made their meat 
and drink something scarcer. 

64. Sharp stomachs make short graces. 
66. She broke her elbow at the kirk door. 

Spoken of a thrifty maiden, when she becomes a lazy wife. 

66. Stuffing holds out storm. 

Advising men to take some good thing, before they travel 
in a bad day. 

67. Stretching and a gaunting bodes sleep to be 

wanting. 

68. Send your gentle blood to the market, and see 
what it will buy. 

69. Stay no longer in your friend's house than you 

are sure that you are welcome. 
70- Speak when you're spoken to, do what you're 
bidden, 
Come when you're call'd, and you'll not be chid- 
den. 
A cant of mistresses to their maid servants. 

71. Set your knee to it and right it. 

Taken from setting bended sticks streight. Spoken in 
anger, to them who alledge that what we have done is amiss. 

72. She'll keep her own side of the house, and go up 

and down in year's. 

73. She'll put you under her hough, and feed you with 

farts. 
Both these spoken to dissuade our friend from marrying a 
woman, whom we suspect to be loo bold. 

a Yawning. 
r 3 



186 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

74. She's spinning clues to the midding, and wo to 
the webster. 

Eng. — You must spoil before you spin. 

75. She holds up her head like a hundred pound 

b aver. 

76. She holds up her head like a hen drinking. 

Both these spokeu of a woman who affectedly holds her 
head high. 

77. Saw you that, and shot not at it, and you so 

c giy'd a gunner. 
A reprimand lo uiedling boys, thai lake up things that they 
Lave nothing to do with. 

78. d Strike a dog with almne, and he'll not e yowll. 
Men will bear sniuil inconveniuucies, that bring great profit. 

79. She that takes gifts her self she sells, 
And she that gives them, does naught els. 

80. f Seil comes not 'till sorrow be over. 
Eng. — When bale is highest boot is next. 

81. Sup with your head, the homer is dead, he's dead 

that made the &munns. 
Spoken to a child when he calls for a spoon for any liquid 
thing, advising him rather lo take it out of the pipkin with 
his month, as ladies do tea or coffee. 

82. h Sik things will be, if we sell drink. 

Spoken of a particular inconveniency thai follows such a 
trade, profession, or way of living. 

83. Sit on your arse, and call your * sorrans. 

A reproof lo them that would have others do for them, 
what they ought to do themselves. Spoken ironical!}. 

84. Spilt wine is worse than water. 

Spoken wheH a thing is spoil'd and not pat lo its proper use. 

85. She's a hussy that wants a hip. 
And so may you your under lip. 

A scnsless return of a woman to him that calls her hussy. 

86. Sorrow shake-you out of the webst r's handy work. 
An ill wish of a weaver, to him that upbraids him with his 

trade. 

87. Sober, neighbour, the night is but young yet. 
Make no haste, for you have time enough before your hand. 

b Horse. c Squinting, or one ey'd. d Beat. e Howl. 
f Health, safety. * Spoons without handles. h fcuch. 
» Servants. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH 187 

88. Supped out wort was never good ale. 

Spoken when one asks us a drink of our wort, for what is 
drunk in wort, will never be ale, good or bad. 

89. Shame fall the ordiuer, quoth the cat to the 
k cordiuer. 

A silly imprecation to them that order something, to be 
done, that is opposite to our humour, or interest. 

90. Some has hap, and some sticks in the gap. 
Lat. — Ille cruceiu sceleris pretium tulit, hie diadema. 

91. Spice is black, but it has a sweet smack. 
1 have heard a rhyme to this purpose. 

Snow is white, and lies on the dike, . 

And erery one lets il lye ; 
Spice is black, and has a sweet smack, 
And every one does it buy. 
An apology for black people. 
Lat. — Alba ligustra cadunt, vaccinia nigra leguntur. 

92. She'll be a good sale whisp. 

Dissuading from marrying a iam'd beauty, lest she bring 
too many visitants to the house; or persuading those, that 
keep a publick house, to hire a handsome maid, that people 
may come to the house for her sake. 

93. Shame fall the geer and the ! blad'ry o't. 

The turn of an old Scottish song, spoken when a 3'oung 
handsome girl marries an old man, upon the account of his 
wealth. 

94. She's not to be made a song of. 

An abatement to a woman's commendation for beauty. 

95. Sit down and rest you, and tell us how they drest 

you, and how you m wan away. 
A jocose invitation to hit down with us. 

96. Saying is one thing, and doing another. 
Lat. — Verba in consilio valent, in cerlamine robur. 

97. She's an ill whore that's no worth the down 
laying. 

Eng. — He's an ill dog that's not worth whistling on. 

98. Sweet in the on taking, but soure in the off putting. 
Spoken of debt for the most part, but apply'd to sin, 

sensual pleasure, aud the like. 

99. Shame fall the dogs that hunted you, tLat did not 

make you run faster. 

k Shoemaker. ) Thrump'ry. m Got. 



188 SCOTTISH PR3VERBS 

Spoken when people come too late to dinner, or are tardy 
on any other occasion. 

100. Spare when you're young, and spend when you're 
old. 

Eng. — He iliat savelh his dinner will have the more for his 
supper. 

101. n Sindle seen, soon forgotten. 

102. Some body has told him of it. 

Spoken when you call a man handsome, wise, rich, learn'd, 
or the like; alledging that he knows it well, and is prond 
«jf it. 

Lat. — Irupiinat egregios adjnncta supcrbia mores. 

103. She's greeting at the thing she laugli'd at ° farn 
year. 

Signifying that she is in labour. 

104. She has an ill p pant with her hind foot. 
Signifying that such a woman is stubborn. Taken from 

cows who kick when they are milked. 

105. Sorrow he in their een that first saw him, that 
did not cast him in the fire, and say sorrow haye 
it they had. 

A malicious answer to Ihera that ask us if we saw such a 
man, meaning one lhat had done ns harm. 

106. Say ay no, and you'll never be married. 

107. Sorrow be in their hands that held so well to 
your head. 

Spoken to drunken men when they are ill natured. 

108. She's better than she's bonny. 

Aa additional praise of a woman who is commended for her 
beauty. 

109. Sorrow be in the house that you're beguil'd in. 
Spoken to sharp expert people who have their interest in 

their eye. 

110. Set a beggar on horse-back, and he'll ride to the 
dee'l. 

Lat. — Asperios nihil est humili cum surget in altum. 

111. Service is no inheritance. 

An argumenl for servants to seek out for some settlement. 

112. Sow wheat in dirt, and rye in dust. 

A wet season agrees with the one, and a dry with the other. 



n Seldom. ° Last year. P Back stroke. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 189 

113. Seeing is believing all the world over. 

Lat. — Pluris est oculatus testis unus, quam aurili decern. 

114. Stolen waters are sweet. 

People take great delight ii> that which they can gel privately. 

115. So many heads, so many wits. 
Eng. — So many men, so many minds. 
Lat. — Quot capita tot sentential. 

116. Silence gives consent. 
Lat. — Silentium fatentis est. 

117. Strike the iron when it is hot. 

Urge on your business when a proper occasion offers. 
Lat. — Carpe diem quam minime credula poslero. 

118. Surfeits slay more than swords. 
Lat. — Plures necat gula quamgladius. 

119. Sow thin, mow thin. 

Lat. — TJt sementuin feceris ita & metes. 

120. Sit in your seat, and rtone will raise you. 
Spoken to those who have gotten an affront for presuming 

beyond their station. 

Lat. — Et merilo qnoniam propria pelle quiessem. 

121. Standing pools gather mud. 
Lat. — Nihil agendo male agere disci lur. 

122. Spare at tlie spiggot, and let out at the bung hole. 
Spoken to them who are careful and penurious in some 

trifling things, but negleclive in the main chance. 

123. Soon enough, if well enough. 
Eng. — Good and quick seldom meet. 
Lat. — Sat cito si sat bene. 

124. Speak of the dee'l, and he'll appear. 

Spoken when they, of whom we are speaking, come in by 
chance. 

125. Standers by see more than the gamesters. 

126. See for love, and buy for money. 
A cant among pedlars and hucksters. 

127. So far, so good. 

So much is done to good purpose. 

128. Self deed, self i fa. 

That is, as you do to others, so it will befal you. 

129. Spit on a stone and it will be wet at last. 
Constant and perpetual doing, though slow, yet may at last 

effect great things. 

1 Come to your share. 



190 SCOTTISH PKOVERBS 

Eng. — Little strokes fell great oaks. 

Lat. — Gutta cavat lapidem non vi, sed saepe cadendo. 

130. Saying goes good cheap. 
Eng. — Talking pays no toll. 

131. She has got a kid in her r kilting. 
That is, she has got a bastard about her. 

132. She'll wear like a horse shoe, the longer the 
brighter. 

Spoken of ill coloured girls who they hope will clear up 
when they are married. 

133. Set that down in the backside of your book. 
Spoken of desperate debts. 

134. Second thoughts are best. 

For a man at first cannot see all the conveniences, and in- 
conveniences, of what is offered, but by after consideration 
may mend his first apprehensions. 

135. She has pish'd in the tub-hole. 

The tub-hole is a hollow place in the ground, over which 
thekive (mashing fat) stands, spoken of an ale-wife when she 
breaks, and turns baukrupt. 

136. Sore strokes and many of them. 

A jocose threatening which we design not to execute. 

T. 

1. Three may keep counsel, if two be away. 

No man is sure thai what he imparts to any will not be 
revealed. 

Lat. — Quod taceri vis nemini dixeris. 

2. Take time in time, e'er time be a tint, 

Lat. — Dum loquimur fugit hora. 

3. Time and tide will stay for no man. 
Lai. — Volat irrevocable tempus. 

4. The farthest way about, the nearest way home, 
Eng. — The high-way is never about. 

Lat. — Compendia plerumque dispeudia. 
Item. — Via trila, via tuta. 

5. They that lend you hinder you to buy. 
Spoken jocosely, when people ask us a loan. 

6. Tell a tale to a mare, and she'll let a fart. 
Spoken when heedless blockheads mind not what we say. 

7. The old horse may die waiting for the new grass. 

r Womeu when they go to work truss up their petticoats with 
ft belt, and this they call their kilting. * Lost, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 1&1 

Eng. — Live liorse, and thou'll get grass. 

Item. — While the grass grows the steed starves. 

8. They b mense little the mouth that bite off the nose. 
Spoken when people who pretend friendship for 3*011, traduce 

your near friends and relations. 

9. Trot father, trot mother, how can the foal amble ? 
It is hard for those who have had a bad parentage, and 

consequently an ill education, to be good. 

Eng. — If the mare have a bald face, the filly will have a 
blaze. 

Lat. Citins nos 

Corrumpunt vitiorum exempla domestica. 

10. Two hungry meals make the third a glutton. 
Spoken when one eats greedily after long fasting. Apply'd 

alio to other things of the like nature, where long wanting 
sharpens the appetite. 

Eng. — A hungry horse makes a clean manger. 

Item. — Hard fare makes hungry bellies. 

11. c Tramp on a worm, and she'll turn her head. 

12. Tramp on a snail, and she'll shoot out her horns. 
Both these signify that the meanest, when injured, will shew 

their resentment. 

Eng. — A baited cat may grow as fierce as a lion. 

Lat. — Non solum taurus ferit, uncis cornibus, hostetn : 

Verum etiam inslanti laesa repugnat ovis. 
Item. — Habet & musca splenem. 

13. Tom tell truth lies without. 

Eng. — Truth has a good face, but ragged deaths. 
Lat. — Veritas odium parit. 

14. The grace of a d gray bannock is in the baking 

ofit. 
The setting out of an ordinary thing to best advantage will 
make it look well. 

15. There was never a fair word in e slyting. 

An excuse for what a man might say in his passion, upon 
provocation. 

Eng. — He that liatli bitter in his mouth spits not all sweet. 
Lat. — Impedil ira animum, ne possit cernere verum. 

16. The dee'l bides his day. 

Taken from a supposition that the devil, when be enters into 
a covenant with a witch, sets her a dale of her life which he 



b Honour. c Tread. d Coarse bread. 'Scolding. 



1Q£ SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

stands to. Spokeu when people demand a debt or wages 
before it be due. 

Eng. — First deserve, and then desire. 

17. Tell no school tales. 

Do not blab abroad what is said in drink or among compa- 
nions. 

Lat. — Odi memorem compoterem. 

18. True blue will never stain. 

A man of fix'd principles, and firm resolutions, will not ba 
easily induc'd to do an ill or mean thing. 

Lat. — J u stum & tenacem propositi virum, &c. 

19. The fool's bolt is soon shot. 

Men of shallow wit will soon give their opinion, which 
commonlv discovers their weakness. 

Eng. — When the fool hath spoken he has done all. 

20. The f misterfull must not be sniensefull. 
They who are in need must and will importune. 
Eng. — Bashful ness is an enemy to poverty. 
Lat. — Quid prodest egenti pudor. 

21. Two daughters, and a backdoor, are three stark 

thieves. 
Daughters are expensive, and back doors give servants op- 
portunity to purloyn their master's goods. The Scots have 
an ill opinion of back-doors, and therefore have none. 

22. The water will never wan- the h widdie. 

Eng — He that's born to be hang'dwill never be drown'd. 

A neighbour of mine was so fully persuaded of the truth of 
these two proverbs; that being in a great storm, and dread- 
fully afraid, espies in the ship a graceless rake, whom he sup- 
pos'd destined to another sort of a death, cries out, O Samuel, 
are you here ? why then we are all safe ; and so laid aside his 
concern. 

23. The first ' faff of a fat k haggish is the worst. 

If you wrestle with a fat man, and sustain his first onset, 
he will soon be out of breath. 

24. Take your venture, as many a good ship has done. 
Spoken when advice is asked in a case where the success 

may be dubious. 

Lat. — Sed quid lentare nocebit. 

25. Take no more on you than you're able to bear. 
Lat. — Versute diu quod valeant humeri. 

f Needy. K Modest. h Gallows. > Puff. k A pud- 
ding made in the great gut of a sheep. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 193 

26. Thore isa a slidd'ry stouc before the n hall door. 
A slippery stone may make one fall; signifying the uncer- 
tainty of court favour, and the promises of great men. 

Lat. — Dulis inexperlis cullura potentis araici. 
Expertus metuet. 

27. There is a great difference between ° fen o'er and 

fairvvel. 
There is a great difference between their way of living who 
only get a little scrap to keep them alive, and theirs who get 
every day a full meal. 

28. The tiling 1 that's p fristed is no forgiven. 
Eng. — Forbearance is no acquittance. 

Lat. — Qnod defertur non auiertur. 

29. That bolt came never out of your bag. 
Lat. — Ex tua farelra uunquam venit ista sagitta. 

30. There is a dog in the well. 

31. There is a i whaap in the r reap. 

Both these signify that there is something amiss, but the 
reason of either phrase I do not know. 

32. There is many a true word spoken in jest. 
Lat. — Ridenlem dicere verum quid vetat. 

33. The dee'l grew sick, and vow'd a monk to be, 
The dee'l grew heal, and dee'l a monk was he. 

Apply'd to them who make good resolutions in their adver- 
sity, which they forget in their prosperity. Translated from 
an old monkish rhyme, 

Daemon lauguebat, monaohus bonus esse volebat, 

Sed cum convaluit, mansit ut ante fait. 

34. The dee'l is no worse than he's call'd. 

Apply'd to those who speak worse of bad men than they 
deserve. 

Eng. — The lyon is not so fierce as he's painted. 
Lat. — Qui de magnis majora loquuulur. 

35. Time tries the truth. 

Eng. — -Time and straw make medlars ripe. 
Lat. — Tempore patet occulta Veritas. 

36. Thoughts beguii'd the lady. 

Taken from a lady that did something amiss, when she 
thought only to break wind backward ; apply'd to them who 
foolishly say, I thought so. 



m Slipp'ry. n Great man's house. ° Make the best shift 
you can. P Trusted. 1 Curliew. r Rope, 
s 




194 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

37. The foremost hound " grips the hare. 

38. The cow that's first up gets the first of the dew, 
Both recommending diligence and industry. 

Eng. — The early bird catchelh the worm. 

39. * Tip when you will, you shall lamb with the leave. 
An allusion to sheep taking the ram and dropping their 

lambs ; used in company when some refuse to pay their clubs 
because they came but lately in, signifying that they shall 
pay all alike notwithstanding. 

40. The lamb where it's tipped, aad the ewe where 
she's clipped. 

A proverbial rule about tythes ; signifying that the lamb 
shall pay tythes in the place where the ewe was when she took 
the ram, but the old sheep where they were shorn. 

41. The strongest horse loups the u dike. 

Spoken often when we are playing at tables, and past the 
danger of blotting; meaning, that he that throws best will 
win the game. 

42. The v reek of my own house is better than the fire 

of another's. 
Lat. — Patriae fomus igne alieno luculentior. 

43. The greedy man and the w gileynour are soon 

agreed. 
The covetous man will be glad of a good offer, and the cheat 
will offer well, designing never to pay. 

44. The eat would fain fish eat, 

But she has no will to wet her feet. 
Spoken to them that would gladly have, but will not labour. 

45. There is skill in x gruel making. 

There is skill and art required in every the least thing. 
Eng. — There is cunning in daubing. 

46. The foot at Ihe cradle, and the hand at the Hoke 
is the sign of a good house-wife. 

Only spokeu jocosely when we see a woman spinning, and 
rocking the cradle with her foot, a sight very common in my 
country. 

47. Two dogs striving about a bone, and the third run 

away with 'it. 
Spoken when two, by their mutual contentions, hinder each 
other of a place and preferment, and it has fain to a third by 
that means. 



Catches. « Take the ram. u Fence. v Smoke. 
w Cheat. * Hasty-pudding. T Distaff. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 195- 

48. The worst world that ever was, the malt-man got 

his sack again. 
It is hard when people get no satisfaction for what they have 
sold, no, not so much as the bag that carried it, 

49. They are very full in their own house that will not 

pick a bone in their neighbour's. 
Spoken to people who being bid to eat, excuse themselves, 
for that they had eaten at home. Though 1 have heard it 
more roguishly apply 'd. 

50. The bird must flighter that flies with one wing. 
Spoken by them who have interest only in one side of tho 

house. 

51. The stone that lies not in your gate breaks not 
your toes. 

Spoken against meddling in the business in which we have 
no concern. 

52. The thatcher said unto his man, 
Let us raise this ladder if we can ; 
But first let us drink, master. 

Spoken when one proposes something to be done, and ano- 
ther proposes to take a drink before we begin. 

53. The master's foot is the best a foulzie. 

Two philosophers asking mutual questions to puzzle each 
other, the one asked what was the best lliing to make a horse 
fat? was answer'd, The master's eve : the other ask'd, what 
was the best gooding for ground ? and was answer'd, The 
master's foot. Both these answers become, after, proverbs ; 
signifying that the care and concern of a man will make his 
business prosper. 

54. There was ay some water where the stirk drown'd. 
There was certainly some occasion for so much talk, rumour 

and suspicion. 

Eng. — There was a thing in't, quoth the fellow when he 
drank the dish clout. 

Item. — Much smoke some fire. 

55. There grows no grass at the market cross. 
An invective against the barrenness of whores. 

56. Tear ready, tail read} 7 . 

A reflection on a woman who is ready to cry. 

57. The more you b greet you'll pish the less. 

An ill-natur'd saying to them who cry, Becanse we will not 
do what they would have us do, or give what they crave. 

a Prononuoed foulvie, that is dung, gooding. b Cry. 

s2 



196 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

58. e Tulying dogs come halting home. 

Spoken when quarrelers come off wit!) the worse. 
Eng. — Brabling dogs have sore ears. 

69. There is life in a muscle though it be little. 

Spoken when we have some little hope of effecting our 
design. They will say, There is life in a muscle yet. 
6'0. They that live longest, letch wood farthest. 

Spoken when Ave make use of what we have, and leave our 
heirs to do the best they can. 
01. The priest christens his own bairn first. 

An apology for serving ourselves before our neighbours. 

ling. — Charity begins at home. 

Lat. — Sibi qiikque proximus. 

62. The goat gives a good milking 1 , but she casts it 

all down with her foot. 
Spoken when they who do a piece of good service, by their 
after behaviour spoil the good grace of it. 

63. The dee'ls cow calves twice a year. 

64. The dee'ls ay good to his own. 

Two vile malicious proverbs! spoken when they whom we 
affect not, Ihrive and prosper in the world ; as if they had 
their prosperit}' from the devil. 

65. Titt for tatt, quoth the wife when she farted atlhe 

thunder. 
A. senseless proverb spoken when Ave give rs good as we get. 

66. The scholar may (1 war the master by a time. 
Lat. — Melioreni prsesto magistro disci puliun. 

67. There is an aet in the Laird of Grant'* court, that 
not above eleven speak at a time. 

Spoken when many speak at once. 

68. The piper wants mickle that wants the under 
e chaffs. 

Spoken when a thing is wanting that is absolutely necessary. 

69. The mother of a mischief is no f more than a mid- 
gewing. 

Spoken Avhen a great quarrel has risen from a small occasion. 
Lat. — Lis minimis verbis interdum maxima crescit. 

70. There is more knavery by sea and land than all 

the world beside. 
A facetious bull upon mentioning of some knavish action. 

71. Take the bit, and the buffet with it. 

c Fighting. d ' Ba better than. e Chaps. f Bigger. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 197 

Bear some ill usage of them by whom you get advantage. 
Lat. — Asinus esuriens fuslein negligit. 

72. The tod never sped better than when he went his 

own errand. 
Every man is most zealous for his own interest; spoken to 
advise a man to go about such a business himself. 

73. The king's errand may come the & cadgers h gate 

yet. 
A great man may want a mean man's service. 

74. Take a care of that man whom God has set a 
mark on. 

I went once to a conventicle on a mountain side, in company 
of a very sage intelligent gentleman, who seeing the preacher 
want two joints of each ring finger, having a nail upon the 
third, he immediately took horse and rode away : I ask'dhim 
what ail'd him, he said, God had set a mark upon that man, 
and he was sure it was not for nothing. This man prov'd a 
great plague to his country, was the death of a great many, 
and came to a violent end himself. The Scots generally have 
an aversion to any that have any natural defeot or redundancy, 
as thinking them mark'd out for a mischief. 

75. There was never a good town, but had a mire at 

one end of it. 
The deficiency and unsatisfactoriness of every created being, 
has given occasion to this and many other proverbs. 
Eng. — Every rose hath its prickle. 
Item. — Everj r bean hath its black. 
Item. — Every path hath its puddle. 
Lat. — Nihil est ab omni parte beatum. 
Item. — Rebus laetis par est mensura malorum. 
Item. — Commoditas omnis sna fert incommoda. 

76. The father buys, the son » biggs, 

The grandchild sells, and his son k thiggs. 
A proverb much used in Lowthian, where estates stay not 
long in one family ; but hardly heard of in the rest of the 
nation. 

77. l Thole well is good for burning. 

Eng. — Patience and posset-drink cures all maladies. 
Lat. — Levius fit patientia quicquid corrigere est nefas. 

78. They speak of my drink, that never consider my 

drouth. 



S Carriers. h Way. ■ Builds. k Begs. 1 Suffer. 
s3 



193 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

They censure my doing such a thing', who neither consider 
my occasions of doing it, or what provocations I had to do it. 

79. The old horse must die in some man's hand. 

80. The cause is good, and the word tall on. 
Spoken facet otisly when we begin dinner. 

81. The more haste the worse speed, 

Quoth the taylor to his long thread. 
Lat. — Nimispropere minus prospere. 

82. They may know by your beard, what lay on your 

board. 
Spoken when we see the relicts of meat upon a man'smoutb, 
beard or breast. 

83. The happy man cannot be m harried. 
Spoken when a fear'd misfortune happen'd for the best. 

84. The still sow eats up all the n draff. 

Spoken to persons who look demurely, but are roguish. 

85. The stoup that goes often to the well, comes home 

broken at last. 
Spoken when a thing has often escap'd, but is at last over- 
taken. 

86. The miller got never better ° moulter than he took 
with his own hands. 

Spoken to them who have a thing at their own taking. 

87. Toom pokes will strive. 

When a married couple are pinch'd with poverty they will 
be apt to jarr. 

88. There is a day coming that will shew whose arse 

is blackest. 
Meaning the day of judgment. 

89. The longer we live the more farlies we see. 
Spoken upon seeing something that we did not see before. 
Eng. — One may live and learn. 

Item. — The longer we live we grow the wiser. 
Lat. — Seris venit usus ab annis. 
Item.— Discipulus prioris posterior dies. 

90. The poor man is ay put to the worst. 
Lat. — Pauper ubique jacet. 

91. They were never p fain that * sidg'd, nor full that 
licked dishes. 

Spoken when people shrug their shoulders, as if it was a sign 
that they were not content. 

m Ruined. a Grains. ° Toll. P Content. 9 Shrugg'd. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 199 

92. The death of wives, and the standing of sheep, is 

the best thing ever came a poor man's gate. 
There is more jest than truth in this proverb. 

93. There is a measure in ail things, it* it were but in 
kail supping. 

Eug. — There is reason in roasting of eggs. 
Item. — Measure is treasure. 
Lat. — Est modus in rebus. 

94. The r reek follows the fairest, take witness by the 

crook. 
This is in Aristophanes, and signifies that envy is a conco- 
mitant of excellency ; the latter part is added foolishly, as if 
the proverb was ironical. 

95. The kirk is ay greedy. 

Clergymen have perquisites and tithes due from every man 
in the parish, and because they demand these small sums they 
are call'd covetous. 

96. The dee'l is miekle, and you're greedy. 
Spoken to them who covet something that we have. 

97. The kirk is miekle, but you may say mass in one 

end of it. 
Spoken when people say something is too much, intimating 
that they need take no more than they have use for. 

98. There is but one good wife in the world, and every 

man thinks he has her. 
This rule admits large exceptions, for some are fully 
appriz'd of the contrary. 

99. Till other s tinklars, ill may you agree, 

The one in a peat pot, and the other in the sea. 
A senseless, uncharitable saying ! when two, whom you do 
not affect, are at odds. 

Eng. — Fight dog, fight bear. 
Lat. — Crescant lites. 

100. There is miekle to do when * domine's ride. 

For such are not well provided for riding, nor expert at it, 

101. There is a hole in the house. 

Spoken when some are present, before whom it is not proper 
to speak our mind. 

Lat. — Lupus est in fabula. 

102. The u leeful man is the beggar's brother. 
Spoken wheu we have lent something that we now want, and 

must be fore'd to borrow. They say also, and more truly, 

r Smoke. s Tinkers. * Pedagogues, students, at the 
university. * The man that is ready to lend. 



200 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

103. The slothful man is the beggar's brother. 

104. The more the merrier, the fewer the better chear. 
The first, because good company exhilarate oue auotfaer: 

the second, because there will be the more to each, 

105. There are more thieves of my kin than honest 
men in yours. 

The design of l he speaker is to intimate that there are not 
many honest men among the other's kin. 

106. They wist as well that v speer'd not. 

A short answer to an impertinent question, if you had not 
ask'd yon would have known as well. 

107. The hen egg goes to the w haa, 
To bring the goose egg aw a. 

p Spoken when poor people give small gifts tobedoubly repaid. 

108. Though you say it, that should not say it, and 
must say it, if it be said. 

A ridicule upon them that commend themselves. 
Lat. — Laus improprio ore sordescit. 

109. The longer you tread on a turd, it will be the 
broader. 

Spoken when people make a great stir about scandalous 
words which they are supposed to have deseiv'd. 
Eng. — The more you stir the worse you stink. 
Lat. — Suo ipsius indicio pent sorex. 

110. There was never a cake, but had a* make. 
None so good but there may be as good, 

111. There was never a Jack but there was a Gill. 
No body so despicable, bnt may get a match meet for them. 

1 12. Take as you to come. 
A proverb debarring choice. 
Eng. — Touch and take. 

113. Tell not thy foe when thy foot's sleeping, nor 
thy step-minny when thou'rt sore hungry. 

The one will take advantage of thee; and the other will not 
be ready to supply thee. 

114. There is kail in » Cut's z weime. 

Spoken when you see a boy hearty and merry ; intimating, 
that he has gotten his belly full. 

115. There is a remedy for all things, but stark dead. 
Lat. — Sperandum est vivis : non est spes ulfa sepultis. 

v Ask'd. w Hall, the gr«at house. * One of the same 
sort. y A dog's name. * Belly. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 201 

116. There is a reason for you, with a rag about the 
foot of it. 

Spoken Avhen one gives a trifling reason for what they have 
done. 

1 17. The meal cheap, and the shoon dear, 
Quoth the sowter's wife that wo'd I hear. 

118. There was I wife that kept her supper for her 
breakfast, and she dy'd e'er day. 

Spoken when you are bid keep such a thing Cor another meal> 
] 19. The more cost the more honour. 

Spoken to them that propose an expensive thing, when a 
cheaper would do. 

120. There is a difference between, will you buy, and 
will you sell. 

When people proffer their goods, buyers will be shy : and 
when people ask to buy, sellers will hold their wares the dearer. 
Eng. — Buy at the market and sell at home. 

121. Truth and honesty keeps the crown of the 
a casway. 

Eng. — Truth and oyl are always uppermost. 
Item. — Truth may be blam'd, but never asham'd. 
Lat. — Veritas non quaerit angulos. 

122. Tarry breeks pays no fraught. 
People of a trade assist one another mutually. 

123. Take a hair of the dog that bit you. 

It is suppos'd that the hair of a dog will cure the bite he 
gives. Spoken to them who are sick after drink, as if another 
drink would cure their indisposition. 

124. They buy good cheap that bring nothing home. 
Spoken to them that think our pennyworth too dear. 
Lat. — Nullus emptor difficilis bonmn emit opsoninm. 

125. The first of the nine orders of knaves is he that 
tells his errand before he goes it. 

Whether any jocose author has digested knaves into nine 
orders I know not. But this is spoken to a boy who being 
bid to go an errand, will pretend to tell how he'll speed be- 
fore he goes. 

126. The bairn speak in the fields what he heard by 
the b slett. 

Spoken when we suspect that children heard from their 
parents what opprobrious words they say of us, or to us. 

*- Street. b Fire side. 



202 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Lat. — Maxima debetur puero reverentia- 

127. The worst world that ever was some man c wan. 

128. They d wite you, and they d wite you no wroug ; 
and they give you less d wite than you e serve. 

A- jocose jargou, when we make people believe that we are 
condoling them, when we are really accusing them. 

129. Take part of the 'pelf, when the pack is a dealing. 
Eng. — Catch that catch can. 

130. There is little for the rake after the besom. 
There is little to be gotten of such a thing, when covetous 

people have had their will of it. 

131. The weeds o'er grow the corn. 
The bad are the most numerous. 

Lat. — Plures mali. 

132. The wife is welcome that comes with the crooked 
s oxter. 

She is welcome that brings some present under her arm. 
Lat. — Allatoris adventus semper est gratus. 

133. There is no remedy for fear but cut off the head. 
For a panick fear is beyond all arguments. 

134. There are more ways to the wood than one. 
If I cannot be serv'd this way, I'll make a shift another. 
Lat. — Hac nou successit, alia aggrediamur via. 

135. The higher up, the lower fail. 
There are many proverbs to this purpose. 
Eng. — Climb bastily fall suddenly. 

Lat. — TJt lapsu gravore ruant tolluntur in altum. 

136. The next time you dance, know whom you take 
by the hand. 

Spoken to them who have imprudently engag'd with some 
who have been too cunning, or too hard for them. 

137. The malt's above the meal with you. 
That is, you are drunk. 

138. Touch me not on the sore heel. 

Do not jest too near with my honour and interest. 

139. Take a man by his word, and a cow by her horn. 
A reflection upon one who has broken his word to us. 

140. They who are early up, and have no business, 
have either an ill bed, an ill wife, or an ill con- 
science. 



c Got advantage by it. d Blame. e Deserve. f Good; 
ff Arm. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 203 

A foolish excuse of him that lies long a bed. 

141. The Mod keeps his own hole clean. 

Apply'd to batcbelors who keep women servant*, whom the y 
ought not to meddle with. 

Eng. — The fox preys farthest from his hole. 

142. That which God will give, the dee'l cannot ' reave. 
Spoken when we haveattaiu'd our end in spite of opposition. 

143. There is nothing but 'mends for misdeeds. 
If I Lave done you harm, I will make reparation. 

144. The bird that can sing, and will not sing, should 
be k gar'd sing. 

Spoken when we use rough means to perverse people. 
Lat. — Peraget violenlapoteslas — Quod tranquilla negat. 

145. The cow may want her own tail yet. 

You may want my kindness hereafter, though you deny me 
jour's now. 

146. True enough, false liar. 

An ironical consent to them whom we hear telling a lye. 

147. They were ' scant of bairns that brought you up. 
Spoken to ill thriven, or ill mannered children. 

148. Two blacks make no white. 

An answer to them who, being blam'd, say others have done 
as ill or worse. 

149. There is steel in my needle eye, though there be 
little o't. 

Spoken when a thing, commendable for its kind, is found 
fault with for its quantity. 

150. The fairest face, the falsest heart. 

Eng. — The fairer the hostess, the fouler the reckoning. 
Lat. — Fronti nulla fides. 

151. They will know by a halfpenny if the priest will 
take an offering. 

A small experiment will discover a covetous inclination. 
142. There is a bee in your bonnet case. 
Eng. — There's a maggot in your head. 
Item. — There's some crolchets in your crown. 

153. There are two things in my mind, and that's the 
least of them. 

A kind of a supercilious denial of a request. 

154. The weakest goes to the wall. 

The least powerful are thrust out from profit or preferment. 

h Fox. » Rob « of. k Made to. l Scarce. 



204 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

155. That's for the father but not for the sou. 

Spoken when a thing is done with slight materials, and con- 
sequently will not be lasting. 

156. Two things a man should never be angry at ; 
what he can help, and what he cannot help. 

If he can help it, let him; if he cannot, anger is to no pur- 
pose. 

157. The first thing a bare gentleman calls for in a 
morning is a needle and thread. 

Viz. To sow up the rents that are about him. 

158. They are sad rents that come in with tears. 

An answer to them, who seeing your eloaths ragged, say, 
Your rents are coming in. Taken from the double significa- 
tion of the two words rents and tears. 
J 59. There are more work-dajs, than life-days. 

Spoken to dissuade people from constant toil. 

160. They that see your head, see not your height. 
Spoken to men of low stature, and high spirits. 

161. Twine to you, your m minnie w as a good spinster. 
Spoken to those who curse you, or rail upon vou, as if you 

would say, take what yon say to your self. 

162. There is more room without than within. 
An apology for breaking wind backward. 

163. They 'gree like butter and u mells. 

Spoken wben people do not agree; but 1 know not where 
the comparison lies. 

Eng. — They agree like harp and harrow. 

164. The Englishman weeps, the Irishman sleeps; 
but the Scotishman gangs while he gets it. 

A pretended account of the behaviour of these three nations, 
when they want meal. 

165. Thirteen of you may go to the dozen well enough. 
Spoken to worthless fellows. 

] 66. The king may come to Kelly yet, and when he 
comes he'll ride. 

I know not the original of this proverb : but it signifies that 
the time may come, that 1 may get my revenge upon such 
people; and then I will do it to purpose. 
J 67. Tell your old « gly'd p giddim that. 

Spoken to tbem that tell us something that we do not like. 
168. There is ay a life for a living man. 

a Mama. D Maul's ° Sqainting. p Grandmother. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 205 

Spoken when we are disappointed of something that we 
expected; intimating that we can, and will, live without it. 

169. This is a good meat house. 
Spoken when we want drink at dinner. 

170. The poor man pays for all. 

171. The worse luck now the better another time. 
Spoken to hearten losing gamesters. 

Eng. — When bale is highest boot is next. 

Lat. — Flebile principinm melior fortuna sequetur. 

Item. — Variae sunt fortunae vices. 

172. The last best, like to good wive's daughters. 

It is alledg'd that wives, after their eldest daughters are 
dispos'd of, say that the youngest is the far best of the family. 

173. They are far behind that may not follow. 

Spoken when people do not despond, though behind others. 

174. They are lightly *J harried, that have all their own. 
Spoken when people complain of injuries unjustly ; when 

they have lost little, or nothing. To the same purpose; 

175. There was an old wife and she had r naught, 
The thieves came, and they stole naught : 
The wife went out, and cry'd naught, 
What should she cry, she wanted naught. 

176. Two fools in a house are too many. 
True enough ! But I have seen more. 

177. The death of the first wife makes such a hole in 
the heart, that all the rest slip thro'. 

It is supposed that he who has lost the wife of his youth 
and love, will easily bear the loss of a second or third, who 
are commonly married rather for convenience, than love. 

178. That which is in my s weime, is not in my * tes- 
tament. 

An excuse for eating rather than keeping what is before us. 

179. The farrer in the deeper. 

Spoken to people engag'd into an intricate business: the 
more they struggle the more they are intangled. 

180. The flesh is ay fairest that is farthest from the 
bone. 

Spoken to them who are plump and look well. 

181. They fill corn sacks. 

Spoken to children when they say they are not full ; a word 



1 Ruined. * Nothing. • Belly. * Will. 

T 



206 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

that the Scots cannot endure, but would rather they are not 
salisfic'd, that is, satisfied. 

182. v Tine needle, tine u dark. 

Spoken to young girls, when they lose their needle. 

183. Tine cat, tine game. 

An allusion to a play call'd Cat i'the Hole, and the English 
kit, cat. Spoken when n.en at law have lost their principal 
evidence. 

184. Tine book, tine grace. 

Spoken to school-boys, when they have lost their book. 

185. There is mickle between market days. 

Times, modes, prices, and other circumstances are mutable. 

186. There will be a hole in the groat to day, and the 
supper to seek. 

A saying of labourers, when they fear a rainy afternoon. 

187. There was never a slut but had a w slitt, there 
was never a daw but had x twa. 

Spoken to young women when they have a rent about them, 
which, if they were not sluts, they would sew up. 

188. That's the way to marry me, if you have hap to 
do't. 

Spoken when people are going the proper way about a 
business. 

189. The best thing that ever happened to a poor man, 
is that the first bairn dye, and all the rest follow. 

A cursed distrustful proverb! God is able to maintain the 
poor man's child, as well as young master, and youag miss: 
and often in a more healthy, and plump condition. 

190. Touch a galPd horse on the back, and he'll * fling. 
Spoken when you have said something to a man that in- 
trenches upon his reputation, and so have put him in a passion. 

191. The things that wives 2 hains, cats eat. 

What is too niggardly spar'd is often as widely squandered. 

192. True love a kythes in time of need. 
Lat. — Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur. 

193. Two words to that bargain. 
That is, 1 will not be easily indnc'd to it. 

194. There w as never enough where nothing was left. 
When all is eaten up it's a token that the commons were 

but short. 



Day's-work. u Lose. w A rent. x Two. * Kick. 
z Spares. a Shews it self. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 207 

195. The b fison of your hips is c loupen to your lips, 
you dow not notch for hunger. 

Au immodest expression of young girls, to young fellows. 

196. That's Hackertou's cow. 

Hackerton was a lawyer, who gave leave to one of his 
tenants to put a weak ox into his park to recruit; a heifer of 
Hackertou's run upon the ox and gor'd him ; the man tells 
him that his ox had killed his heifer : why then, says Hacker- 
ton, your ox must go for my heifer, the law provides that. 
No, says the man, your cow killed my ox. The case alters 
there, says he. The English have one just correspondent to 
this, that they call Plowdeu's case; spoken when people alter 
their opinions when the case comes home to themselves. 

197. There is a flea in ray hose. 

That is, I have some trouble of mind or body about me, 
that lakes up ray thoughts. 

198. The black ox never trod on your foot. 

You never had the care of a family upon you, nor was 
pressed with severe business or necessities. 

199. Tooth aud nail. 

That is, with the utmost endeavour. 
Lai. — Velis & remis, omnibus nervis. 

200. Take up the next you find. 

Spoken jocosely when people say they have lost such a 
thing. 

201. The best is ay best cheap. 
Eug. — Light cheap lither yield. 

202. The day that you do well there Mill be seven 
moons in the d lift, and one in the e midding. 

Intimating that such a one will never do well. 

203. There are two enoughs, and you have gotten one 
of them. 

That is, big enough, and little enough ; meaning that he 
had gotten little enough : au answer to them who out of mo- 
desty say they have enough. 

204. That's the piece the step-bairn never got. 
Spoken when we give what is large and thick, or the crown 

of the cake. 

205. The f nar even the more beggars. 

A facetious word when more people come into company. 

b Substance. c J ump 'd. d Heavens. e Dunghill. 
f Nearer. 



208 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

206. There is no e breard like h midding breard. 

The grains of corn that are carried out unto the dunghill 
takes root and springs amain ; spoken when we see people of 
mean birth rise suddenly to wealth and honour. 

207. They are not all saints, that get hally water. 
Nor are they all good men that make pretences to religion. 

208. They were j fain of little, that thank'd you for a 
fart. 

A word of contempt to them that unreasonably think that 
we are obliged to them. 

209. That's hard, quoth the old wife, when she shit a 
mill-stone. 

A seusless bauble when we think our fortune bad. 

210. The better day, the better deed. 

I never heard this used but when people say that they did 
svich an ill thing on Sunday. 

211. Tush swims best that's bred in the sea. 

They are better seamen that are train'd to llie sea from 
their infancy, than they who are taught by art. 
212.. The feathers bore the flesh away. 

Spoken to fowlers when they come home empty. 

213. That's your k Mak'um fatherless, that has lei 
many a man die in his bed. 

A jest upon a man wben he shews his sword. 

214. They are all alive whom you slew. 

Spoken with contempt to them that threaten, as if they 
durst not execute. 
The d 
house. 

The death of a child bears no proportion to the death of a 
husband, or wife. 

216. They draw the cat harrow. 
That is, tliey thwart one another. 

217. The ra tod's bairns are ill to tame. 

Apply'd to them who are descended of an ill parentage, or 
cursed with a bad education : such are hard to be made good 
or virtuous 



s Young corn. h Dunghill. > Glad. k Make 

him, alluding to Malcolm, a mans name. ' Giving up 

house-keeping. m The foxes. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 209 

218. The bag to the old n stent, and the belt to the 
° yule hole. 

Meaning that we eat as heartily as we did at Christmas. 

219. To as mickle purpose as to wag your hand in the 
water. 

220. Take a spring of your own fiddle, and dance to 
it when you have done. 

That is, take your course, and reap the fruits of it. 

221. The swine's gone through it. 

Spoken when an intended marriage is gone back, out of a 
superstitious conceit, that if a swine come between a man and 
his mistress, they will never be married. 

222. They have been born as poor as you, who have 
come to a pouch full of green pease e'er they 
dy'd. 

Spoken to poor boys, whom we think hopeful. 

223. Tread on my foot again, and a boll of meal on 
thy back. 

Spoken when we tread on the foot of any thing. 

224. The higher the hill, the lower the grass. 
People of the greatest fortunes are not the most liberal. 

225. Two convenienCies sindle meets, what's good 
for the plants, is ill for the peats. 

What may be good in one respect may be bad in another. 
Eng. — What's good for the back is bad for the head. 
Lat. — Nil prodest quod non laedere possit idem. 

226. They never p beuk a good cake, but may bake an 
ill. 

A piece of work may miscarry in the hand of the most 
skilful. 

227. They are speaking of you, where there are ill 
lick'd dishes. 

The Scots have a fancy that if their ears glow, tingle, or 
itch, some are speaking of them ; and when any says this, the 
proverb is an answer: as if people were only saying, that if 
you was there, you would lick them cleaner. 

228. Take it all pay the malt-man (baker). 
Spoken jocosely when we give all of such a thing. 

229. There is an end of an old song. 
That is, you have all that I can tell you of it. 



Stretch. ° Christmas. P Bak'd. 

t 3 



210 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

230. There was another gotten the night that you was 
horn. 

That is, if yon will not serve me another will. 

231. The ^tod never fares belter than when he's r ban'd. 
Spoken when we are told that such people curse us, which 

we think the effect of envy, the companion of felicity. The 
fox is cursed when he takes our poultry. 

232. That's my tale, where is yours. 

That is my condition, or 1 was going to say so. 

233. They can do ill that cannot do good. 
Spoken when children break, or abuse any thing. 

234. The thrift of you, and the wool of a dog, would 
make a good web. 

Spoken in jest to them that pretend to be thrifty. 

235. The third is a charm. 

Spoken to encourage those who have attempted a thing 
once and again to try a third time. They will say also, 

236. There is three things of all things. 

237. The more noble, the more humble. 

238. The good or ill hap of a good or ill life, 

Is the good or ill choice, of a good or ill wife. 
Eng. — A man's best fortune or worst is his wife. 

239. There's a word in my s weime, but it is * laigh 
down. 

That is, I could say something, but I will not. 

240. There is no sport where there is neither old folk 
nor bairns. 

241. There is no harm done when there is a good lad 
gotten. 

An apology for a woman that has born a bastard. 

242. They that laugh in the morning may greet e'er 
night. 

Lat. — Gaudia principinm sunt nostri saepe doloris. 

243. To u fazards, hard hazards is death e'er they 
come there. 

Cowardly people are almost killed at the sight of danger^ 
out of the Cherry and Slae. 

244. They that burn you for a witch loses all the coals. 
Eng. — No body will take you for a conjurer. 

i Fox. r Curs'd. 8 Bell 



r Curs'd. 8 Belly. * Low. 

u A runaway cock, a coward. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 



211 



245. There is one day of reckoning, and another of 
payment. 

A threatning to be up with some people hereafter. 

246. To learn you to speak (to speer). 

A short answer to them that ask why you did, or said, such 
a thing. 

247. There is a clue in your arse. 
Spoken to restless people. 

248. The mother's breath is ay sweet. 

249. The mother is a matchless beast. 
Both spoken of the tender affection of mothers. 

250. They will let little go by them, that will catch at 
a fart. 

Spoken to them that quarrel with you for breaking wind. 

251. The dee 'Is bairns have dee'ls luck. 
Spoken enviously when ill people prosper. 

252. The dee'l never sent a wind out of hell, but he 
would sail with it. 

Spoken of trimmers and time-servers. 

253. Two heads may lye on one pillow, and no body 
knows where the luck lies. 

Spoken when either husband or the wife is dead, and the 
surviving party goes back in the world after. 

254. The dee'ls good when he's pleas'd. 

Spoken to people who readily take every thing amiss. 

255. Time and thought tames the strongest grief. 
Lat. — Dies odemit aegritudinem. 

256. There is no v fay folks meat in the pot. 

When the pot boils after it is taken off the fire, they say 
this sensless, groundless bauble. 

257. There is fay blood in your head. 

That is, you adventure upon a thing that will be your death. 
The Scots call a man fay when he alters his conditions, and 
humours, which they think a sign of death. 

258. The greatest w toghers make not the greatest 
x testaments. 

Eng. — He that's needy when he's married, shall be rich 
when he's buried . 

259. The y lucky thing gives the penny. 

If a thing be good, the bulkier the better j an apology for 
big people. 



v Near death, * Portions. * Latter wills, y Bulky. 



212 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

260. The name of an honest woman is inickle worth. 

A reason given for a woman, who Las born a bastard, for 
marrying an inferior person. 
261 . There came ne\er ill of good advisement. 

A persuasion to consider well of a thing before you go 
about it. 

Eng. — Though old and wise yet still advise. 

262. The back and the belly holds bare and busy. 

263. Their fathers were never fellows. 

Spoken when two of unequal birth and pedigree are com- 
pared. 

Eng. — They are not to be named in a day. 

264. There are more married than keep good houses. 
A common answer to them that ask you why you do not 

marry. 

265. The smith has ay a spark in his z haise. 

And they often lake pains to quench it, but to no purpose. 

266. The a ware evening is long and b tough, 

The harvest evening runs soon o'er the c heugh. 
In the spring the days are lengthening ; in harvest decreas- 
ing ; which makes the one seem long, and the other short. 

267. The Michaelmas inoon rises ay alike soon. 

The moon, at full, being then in the opposite sign, bends for 
some days towards the tropick of Cancer, and so rising more 
northerly, rises more early. My country people believe it to 
be a particular providence of God that people may see to get 
in their grain. 

268. There is no d sik a word in all e Wallace. 
A kind of jocose denial. 

269. The book of may he's is very broad. 

An answer to them that say, may be it will fall out so, or so. 

270. There is nothing between a poor man and a rich 
but a piece of an ill year. 

Because, in that space, many things may fall out, that may 
make a rich man poor. 

271. The one half of the world kens not how the other 
lives. 

Eng. — Little knows the fat sow, what the lean one means. 



z Throat. a Spring. b Tedious. c Soon sets. The 
Scots call a precipice a heugh. d Such. e A book 

of the actions of Sir Will. Wallace. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 213 

272. Two wits are better than one. 
Lat.— Plus vident oculi, quam oculus. 

273. The evening red, and the morning gray, 
Is the true sign of a good day. 

274. The worth of a thing is best known by the want 
of it. 

275. The scabby head loves not the comb. 

That is, wicked men love neither correction, nor reproof. 

276. The master's eye makes the horse fat. 
From the Latin, Oculus domini saginat equum. 

277. That's but one doctor's opinion. 

Spoken with resentment to them that offer their advice 
contrary to our interest. 

278. Trim tram, like master like man. 
Eng. — Hack ii v mistress, liackny maid. 
Lat. — Qiialis hera, talis pedisqua. 

279. They that have much butter, may lay it thick on 
their bread. 

They that have much may spend the more magnificently. 

280. The remedy is worse than the disease. 

281. The first dish is ay best eaten. 
The EnglMi say, Pleases all. 

282. The day hath eyes, and the night hath ears. 

283. '! he evening crowns the day. 

For as our success appears then, it is good or bad- 

284. The gray mare is the better horse. 
That is, the good wife is master. 

286. Two hands in a dish, and one in a purse. 

I am pleased when people eat with me, but not when they 
invade my properly. 

286. Thoughts are free. 

Lat. — Cogilationis pnenam nemo patitur. 

287. That's for that, and butter's for fish. 

Spoken when a thing fits nicely what it was designed for. 

288. Take me not up before I fall. 

Do not so far mistake me, as to give an answer to my dis- 
course, before you hear me out. 

289. The greatest burthens are not the gainfullest. 
That is, they who labour sorest, have not the best wages, 

290. There is no general rale without exceptions. 

291. The poor man's shilling is but a penny. 
Because he must buy every thing at the dearest rate. 



214 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

292. The more mischief the better sport. 
A common, but wicked and foolish saying. 

293. The bones of a great estate is worth the picking. 
Spoken of an estate under burthen, mortgaged, but not 

sold, that there may be something made of it. 

294. The longest da}- will have an end. 

Spoken when men now in power oppress us, signifying that 
there may be a turn. 

Eng. — Be the day never so long, at length comes evening 
song. 

295. The bones bears the beef home. 

An answer to them that complain that there are many bones 
in the meat that they are buying. 

296. Take up that ewe and yoke her. 

A sensless saying when a thing falls out ill. 

297. They that never fill'd a cradle should not sit in 
one. 

Because such will not consider whether there may be a 
child in it; whereas they who have had children will be more 
cautious. 

298. They are well guided that God guides. 
Spoken when some person has committed malefice. 

299. There came never such a f gloflf to a daw's heart. 
Spoken when people are suddenly wet with, or plunged 

into cold water. 

300. Take some to your self, as you sell the rest. 
Spoken facetiously when we would have people take some 

of their own meat, drink, or such like. 

301. The dee'l is a busy bishop in his own diocese. 

302. The subject's love is the king's life-guard. 

303. They that see you all day, will not break the 
house for you at night. 

Spoken to women whom we pretend to be ugly. 

304. There two fools met. 

Spoken to them that say they refused such a considerable 
price for such a pennyworth. That is, he w r as a fool that of- 
fered it, and you a fool that refused it. 

305. Take your will, you're wise enough. 

306. Take your will, and then you'll not dye of the 
pet. 



f A sudden fright. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. c l\5 

307. Take your will of it, as the cat did of the haggish- 
These three spoken to them who obstinately persist in an 

unreasonable design. 

308. They are ay good that are away. 

Spoken when people lavishly commend those of thefr 
friends that are abroad, or dead. 

309. The sowter gave the sow a kiss, 
Humph, quoth she, its for a s birse. 

Spoken of those whose service we suppose to be mercenary. 

310. They that h ly down for love should rise for 
hunger. 

Alledging if they bad not been too well fed, they would not 
be troubled witb that disease. 

Lat. — Sine Cerere & Baccbo, frigel Venus. 

311. There's a time to 4 glye, and a time to look even. 
There is a time when a man must overlook things, which 

at another time he would take notice of. 

312. That's Jock's news. 

Spoken when people tell that for news which every body 
knows. 

313. The greatest fish an oyster, 
The gravest bird an owl, 
The gravest beast an ass, 
And the gravest man a fool. 

A groundless rhyme among light people. 
14. That is, k gee luged drink. 

When a thing does not please us we wag our head, bnt 
when we are pleas'd we give a nod on the one side ; spoken 
when we get excellent drink. I suppose this proverbial phrase 
to be only used among the Scots in Ireland. 

w. 

1. Water stoups holds no ale. 

An apology for not drinking strong liquor, because we have 
not been accustomed to it. 

2. When I did well I heard it never, 
When I did ill I heard it ever. 

A reflection of servants upon hard and passionate masters, 
who are liberal in their reproofs, but sparing in their com- 
mendations. 



Bristle. > Fall sick. » Look a squint. k One ear'd. 



216 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

3. Were it not for hope, heart would break. 

Lat. — Spes bona dat vires, animum quoque spes bona firma t . 
Vivere spe vidi, qui nioriturus erat. 

4. White legs wo'd ay be a rused. 

Spoken when people fish for commendations, by disparag- 
ing a little their persons or performances. 

5. Wealth makes wit waver. 

Spoken when people have many advantageous offers, and 
are at a loss which to take. 
Lat. — Inopem me copia fecit. 

6. What we first learn, we best can. 

Lat. — Tenacissimi sumus eorum quae rudibus annis perci- 
pemus. 

Item. — Adeo a teneris assuescere multum est. 

7. When drink's in wit's out. 

A slender excuse for what people may say or do in their 
drink. 

8. When friends meet, heart's warm. 

Lat. — Nil ego contulero jocundo sanus, amico. 

9. Words go with the wind, but b dunts are the devil. 

10. Words go with the wind, but strokes are out of 

P la ^ 
Lat. — Omnia prius experiri verbis, quam annis, sapientern 

decet. 

11. Work for nought makes folk c dead sweir. 
Eng. — Great pains and little gains make men soon weary. 

12. Wiles help weak folk. 

Lat. — Ingenio pollet cui vim natura negavit. 

13. Wool sellers kens ay wool buyers. 
Roguish people know their own consorts. 
Lat. — Spinas se invicem complectuntur. 

Item. — Se invicem norunt, utfures in nundinis. 

14. Well, quoth Wallace, and then he leugh, 

The king of France has gold enough, 
And you'll get it all for the winning. 
Intimating that we will get nothing without labouring for it. 

15. What the eye sees not, the heart rues not. 

Men may have losses, but if they be unknown to them they 
give them no trouble. 

16. Wink at small faults, for you have great ones 
your self. 

a Commended. b Hard blows. c Lazy. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. '217 

- iLat. — Nam vitiis nemo sine nascitnr, optimus ille, 
Qui minimis urgetur. 

17. When Adam carded, and Eve span, 

Where was all our gentry then ? 

18. Up starts a carle and gather'd good, 
And thence came all our gentle blood. 

Lat.'— Primus majorum quisquis fait ille tuorum. 
Aut pastor fuit, aut illud quod dicere nolo. 

19. When the lady lets a fart, the d messan gets a 

e knap. 
Spoken when one is blam'd for another's fault. 
Lat. — Quicquid delirant reges plectuntur achivi. 

20. Well kens the mouse that the cat'sout of the house. 
Eng. — When the cat's away the mice will play. 

Lat. — Absenle fele, saliunt mures. 

21 . Use of hand is father of f lear. 
Lat. — Us us adjuval artem. 

Item. — Fabricando fabricimus. 

Item. — Solus & artifices qui juvat usus adest. 

22. When my head is down my house is thatch'd. 
Spoken by those who are free from debts, concerns, or 

future projects : as common tradesmen, day labourers, and 
servants who work their work and get their wages, and com- 
monly are the happiest part of mankind. 

23. When the cow is in the clout she's soon out. 
Eug. — Ready money will away. 

24. VV^ork legs, and win legs, * hain legs, and tine legs. 
Lat. — Studium generat studium, ignavia ignaviam. 
Item. — Decrescit requie virtus, sed crescit agendo. 
Item. — Adde quod ingenium, longa rubigine laesum, 

Torpet & est multo quam fuit ante minus. 

25. Would you make me trow that the moon is made 
of green cheese. 

26. Would you make me trow that spade shafts bears 

plumbs. 

27. Would you make me trow that my head's h cow'd 
when I find the hair on't. 

These three spoken when a man would impose upon our 
senses, and make us believe what is impossible. 
Lat. — Nil intra est oleam, nil extra est in nuce, duri. 

d Lap-dog. e a little blow. f Learning, t Save, spare. 
h Shorn. 



218 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

28. Where the dee'l shites, he shites in a heap. 
Enviously spoken when those we affect not grow wealthy. 

29. Untimous spurring j spills the steed. 
That is, too much haste spoils business. 
Lat. — Canis festinans caecos parit catulos. 

30. Where the k buck is k bound there he must bleat. 
Men must bear these hardships to which they are bound, 

either by force or compact. 

Eug.— They that are bound must obey. 

31. What's none of my profit shall be none of my peril. 
I will not engage myself deep in a business in which I have 

no concern. 

Lat. — Mihi istic nee seritur nee meritur. 

32. Wo's them that have the cat's dish, and she ay 

1 tneuting. 
Spoken when people owe a thing to, or detain a thing from 
iieedy people, who are always calling for it. 

33. When all men speak, no man hears. 
Used when many speak at once in a business. 

34. What if the m lift fall, you may gather laverocks. 
Spoken when people make silly, frivolous excuses and 

objections. 

Lat. — Quid si ad eos redeamus qui dicunt quid se caelum 
rua. 

35. When the " tod preaches, look to the geese. 
When wicked men put on a cloak of religion, suspect some 

wicked design. Witness the solemn fasts and humiliations 
in the lime of the anarchy, when not only subtle foxes, but 
ravenous bears, treacherous crocodiles and devouring harpies 
actually preach'd. 

J ..at. — Si tu vis fallere plebem finge deos. 

36. We can drink of the ° burn, when we cannot bite 

of the p brea. 
Spoken when people want bread, for none complain for 
want of drink. 

37. Wheu the belly's full, the bones wo'd be at rest. 
People are dispos'd to sleep after a full meal : witness a 

congregation on Sunday afternoon. 

3b. What comes over the dee'ls back, will go away 
under his belly. 

1 Spoils. k He-goat. l Mawing. m Heavens. 
u Fox. ° River. P Brow, bank. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 219 

39. What comes with the wind, will go with the 
water. 

There are many proverbs to this purpose in all languages. 
Lat. — Male parta, male dilabantur. 

40. What you do when you're drank, you must pay 

for when you're dry. 
The law makes drunkenness no excuse, but rather an aggra- 
vation. 

41. Well meet e'er hills meet. 

Eng. — Men may meet ; but mountains never will. 

42. What better is the house that the i daw rises early 
in the morning. 

Spoken often by mistresses to their maids when they have 
been early up, and done little work. 
Eng. — Early up, never the nearer. 

43. When thieves reckon r leal folks come to theirgeer. 
Spoken when two rogues, falling out, discover the villauies 

of one another. 

44. Wo worth ill company, quoth the f kae of Cam- 

nethen. 
Spoken when we have been drawn by ill company into an 
ill thing. A jack-daw in Camnethen learn'd this word from 
a guest in the house when he was upon his penilenlials after 
hard drinking. 

45. When the tod gets to the wood, he cares not who 

1 keek in his tail. 
Spoken when a villain has so cleanly escap'd, that he cares 
not who look after him. 

46. Whitely things are ay tender. 

Taken from common observation, but spoken to people of 
all complexions when they pretend lenileniess. 

47. Work a God's name, and so does no witches. 

48. Who wats may keep sheep auother day. 

Who knows but it may be in my power to do you good or 
harm hereafter, and as you use me, so will I you. 

49. When petticoats woos, breeks may come speed. 
Spoken when maids court youiig men. 

Eng. — It is time to yoke when the cait comes to the horse. 

50. We are to learn while we live. 

Spoken when we are infonn'd of a thing that we knew not 
before. 

1 Slut. r Honest. • Jack-daw. t Peep. 



•220 SCOTTISH PROVRRES 

Lat. — Ars longa vita brevis. 
Item. — Discenti assidue inulta senecta venit. 
61. What you want up and down, you have to and fro. 
Spoken to tbem who are low of stature, but broad and squat. 
Lat. — Quod alibi diminutum est, exequatur alibi. 

52. When the cup's full carry it even. 

When you have arrived at power and wealth, take a care 
of insolence, pride and oppression. 

Lat. — Fortunam reverenter babe quicunque repente. 
Dives ab exili progrediere loco. 

53. Where the deer is slain, some of her blood will lye. 
Spoken when some of what we have been handling is lost, 

or when there is some indication of what has been a doing. 
Eng. — Where the horse lies down some hairs will be found. 

54. When poverty comes in at the door, friendship 
flees out at the window. 

Eng. — When good cheer is lacking, friends will be packing.. 

Lat. — Cum fortuna peritnullus amicus erit. 
56-. Well worth all good tokens. 

Spokcu facetiously when we are told that such an one is- 
< asing nature, or some such thing that is not to be spoken. 

06. Well's him, and wo's him, that has a bishop of 
his kin. 
Because such may be advane'd, and perhaps disappointed.. 

57. Women and bairns u lain what they know not.. 
But what they know they'll blab out. 

58. Wood in a wilderness, moss in a mountain, and 
wit in a poor man's breast are little thought of. 

59. When you christen the bairn, you know what to 
call it. 

Spoken in bargain making when we agree on express terms,. 
we know not what to give and what to expect. 

60. Will and wit strives with you. 

You are at a stand whether to do the pleasantest or the 
most profitable. 

Lat. — Aliud appetitus, aliud sapienlia suadet. 

61. We are as many Johnstons, as you are Jerdans. 
Taken from two families who were always on one side ; 

though now the proverb signifies that we have as many to take- 
our part, as you have to take yours, yet I am inclined to be- 
lieve that at first it signified that we contribute as much to the 
common cause as yon do. 

u Lain, is conceal. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 221 

62. Want is the worst of it 

Spoken when one must lake a mean thing or want all. 
Eng. — Hobson's choice. 

63. When lairds break, carles get land. 

When a great estate is sold, mean people, who have a little 
money, will bay each a share. 

Eng. — When the tree falls, every man goes with his hatchet. 

64. When a fool finds a horse shoe, he thinks ay the 
like to do. 

Spoken when they, who have had some fortune, thinks always 
to be as successful. 

Eds:. — He that hits once will be ever shooting. 

65. We can live without our friends, but not without 
our neighbours. 

66. Where the dike's v leaghest,it is easiest loupen o'er* 
Spoken when the rich oppress the poor, and the strong the 

weak. 

67. Where there are gentles there is ay w offallings. 
Spoken jocosely to our children, when they have forgot 

something where they were last ; as their gloves, knives, 6c c. 

68. Wipe with the water, and wash with the towel. 
Spoken to our children, when they wash their hands slightly. 

69. What makes you so s ramgunshoch to me, and I 
so ^corcudoch. 

A jocose return to them who speak hastily to as when we 
speak kindly to them. More used for the two comical words 
than any thing else. 

70. Wish in one hand and drite in another, and see 

which will be first full. 
Eng. — 1 neverfard worse than when I wish'd for my sapper. 

71. We can z puind for debt, but not for kindness. 

If oar friends will not be kind to us, we have no remedy 
at law. 

72. Wrong has no warrand. 

No man can pretend anihority to do an ill thing. 

73. Work bears witness who well doesi 

A man's diligence in lahouring is best known by the effects. 
Eng. — The proof of the pudding is in the eating. 
Lat. — Indiscrimine apparet qui vir. 
7-i. Wrong count is no payment. 

v Lowest. w Something to be gotten. x Ragged, 
y Cordial. 2 Distrain. 

u3 



222 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Aad therefore all accounts pass, errors excepted. 
Eng. — Misreckoning is no payment. 

75. We hounds slew the hare, quoth the a messan. 
Spoken to insignificant persons, when they attribute to 

themselves any part of a great achievement. 

76. What h rake the c fead where the friendship dow 
not. 

Signifying our contempt of mean persons, whose haired we 
defy, and whose friendship we despise. 

77. Welcome is the best dish in the kitchen. 
Lat. — Super omnia vultus accessere boni. 

78. Where there is o'er mickle courtesy, there is little 

kindness. 
Eng. — Less of your courtesy, and more cf your purse. 
Item. — Full of courtesy, full of craft. 

79. When all fruit d fa's welcome e has. 

That sort of fruit is long a ripening. Spoken when we 
take up with what's coarse, when the good is spent. 

80. Well, quoth Willie, when his wife dang him, 

She took up a rope, and she sware she wo'd hang 
him. 
A sensless rhyme following well, when spoken with resent- 
ment. 

81. What I cannot do by might I'll do by slight. 
JLat. — Si leonina pellis non satis sit, addenda vulpina. 

82. When the hen goes to the cock, 
The f burds may gen a knock. 

Spoken when widows who design a second marriage prove 
harsh to their children. 

83. Wealth in the widow's house, kail but salt. 

A jocose exclamation when we have gotten something more 
than we expected. 

84. Walie, walie, but bairns be bonny, 

One is enough, and two o'er many. 
A jest upon a joung woman when we see her troubled in 
nursing and dandling her first child. 

85. What's my turn to-day, may be yours to-morrow. 

86. We'll never know the worth of water 'till the welt 

go dry- 

87. e War, and b mair o't. 

a Lap-dog. b Signifies. c Enmity. d Falls. e Haws. 
f Chickens, p Worse. * More of it. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 225 

Spoken when a new disaster happens over and above the 
present misfortunes. 

88. Who invited you to the roast? 

Spoken when people put their hand uninvited to what is not 
theirs. 

89. When I am dead make me cawdle. 

Be kind to me when I am alive, for 1 shall not value or be 
better for your presents when I am dead. 
Eng. — rAfter death the doctor. 
Lat. — Post bellum auxilium. 

90. Win it, and wear it. 

Spoken when a thing is propos'd to be given, upon doing 
such a task. 

91. Will God's blessing make my pot boil, or my 

spit go? 
I should not have set down such a cursed saying, if it had 
not been always in the mouth of a great oppressor whom I 
knew ; who being in authority, harass'd the whole country by 
his exorbitant fines and illegal exactions: when poor people 
offered him all that they could get, and bid him take it with 
God's blessing, he would stormingly say, Will God's blessing 
make my pot play, or my spit go ? And though by these arts 
he raised himself to a great estate ; yet he dy'd miserably, and 
his children are at this day worse than beggars. 

92. When every man gets his own, the thief will get 

the * widdie. 

93. When the good man's away the board cloth is 
k tint. 

Because the commons will then be short. 

94. When the good wife's away the keys are tint. 
For if she be not at home you'll get no drink. 

95. Who may wooe ' but cost ? 

That is, no great matter can be easily attain'd or atchiev'd. 

96. Whiles thou, whiles I, so goes the m bailery. 
Spoken when persons and parties get authority by turns. 
Eng. — To-day me, to-morrow thee. 

.Lat. — Hodie mihi, eras tibi. 

Item. — Nunc mihi, nunc tibi benigna, scil. fortuna. 

97. When the heart's full of lust, the mouth's full of 

n leasings. 
A reflection upon these damnable lies, eufore'd with horrid 
oaths, by which poor maids are deceiv'd. They have a very 

— m , i , — -___ — i . m 

» Gallows. k Lost. j Without. m Senescalship. * Lies. 



£24 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

pat proverb, signifying that when men are hurried on by lost, 
their minds are so blinded, that they never consider the horrid 
consequences that attend them. 

98. Who can hold that will away. 

Spoken when our friends will not be prevail'd upon to tarry 
with us. 

99. When thy neighbour's house is in danger take 

tent to thine own. 
Lat. — Tunc tua res agitiir paries cum proximus ardet. 

100. Women and wine, game and deceit, 
Make the wealth small, and the wants great. 

This is the translation of an old monkish rhyme. 
Pisces, perdices, vinnni, nee non ineritrices 
Corrumpuiit cistam, & quiequid ponis in islam. 

101. When all p freets fail, fire's good for the fiercy. 
Spoken when after ordinary attempts, we betake ourselves 

to extraordinary. 

102. Well minded i Marrion to thy lives end. 
Spoken to them that call a thing to mind opportunely. 

103. When the wind is in the west, the weather's at 
the best. 

104. When the wind is in the east, it is neither good 
for man or beast. 

105. When the wind is in the south, rain will be 
r fouth. 

106. Winter thunder, summer hunger. 

These observations about the weather are vain and fri- 
volous. 

107. Wilful waste makes woeful want. 
Eng. — Who spends more than he should, 

Will not have to spend when he would. 

108. s Widdie hold thine own. 

Spoken when we see a bad man in danger, as if he ow'd 
his life lo the gallows. 

109. Well is, that well does. 
Lat.' — Bona bonis conlingnnt. 

110. Well worth aw, it makes the plough draw. 
Spoken when people are over-awed to do a thing, which 

otherways they would not do. 



Care, p Charms, i A woman's name. r In abundance. 
s Gallows. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 22.5 

111. When the ewe is drown'd, she's dead. 
Spoken when a thing is gone, and past recovery. 

1 12. What's worse than ill luck. 

Spoken when a thing miscarries purely by misfortune- 
There is a return to this proverb, but it is paultry. 

1 13. When you are serv'd all the geese are well wa- 
tered. 

Spoken when they who have got enough already propose to 
ask no more. 

1 14. What serves dirt for if it do not stink ?' 
Spoken (as a great many other Scottish proverbs^) when 

mean, base born people, speak proudly, or behave themselves 
saucily. 

115. Unseen, unru'd.. 

Spoken when I propose to give a thing of mine, that you 
never saw, for something of yours, that I never saw. 

1 16. When wine siuks words swim. 

Eng, — What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals. 
Lat. — Quod in corde sobrii, iu ore ebrii. 

117. When the bairn's full you may thrash before the 
door. 

118. Where l leal folk got geer. 

A proverbial answer to them that ask where you got such a 
thing. They say also, 

119. Where it was, and not where it grew. 
Eng — Where the dee'l got the fryer. 

120. What may be done at any time, will be done at 
no time. 

What people may, and can do easily, will be put off from 
time to time. 

121. Whoredom and grace dwelt ne'er in one place. 

122. u Wite your teeth if your tail be small. 
Spoken to them that have good meat at their will. 

123. Wives and wind are necessary evils. 

124. When you are going and coming the gate's not 
empty. 

Spoken to them who we think to be going a needless errand, 
as if they would only employ the way. 



1 Honest. u Blame. 



226 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

125. Where will you get a v park to put your w yell 
x kay in. 

Spoken to them who, without any reason, boast of their 
good management. 

126. Who can help sickness ? quoth the drunken wife, 
when she fell in the > gutter. 

Taken from a woman, who being drunk, pretended to be 
sick; apply'd when men make a false pretence for what 
they do. 

127. W T here vice is, vengeance follows. 

Lat. — Raro ante cedentem scelestum deseruit poena pede 
clando. 

128. What put that in your head that did not put the 
z sturdy with it ? 

Spoken to them that speak foolishly, or tell a story that you 
though L they bad noL known. 

129. When the heart is full, the tongue will speak. 
Eng. — Glowing coals will sparkle. 

130. We can sheap coat and a sark for them, but we 
cannot sheap their b weird. 

Spoken when people of good education fall inlo misfor- 
tunes, or come lo untimely ends. 

131. Women's work is never done. 

So much the care and management of a family requires. 

132. Wit bought makes folk wise. 

Spoken when we are sensible of the ill, or good, of a thing 
by experience, and lo our cost. 

133. What need a rich man be a thief? 

134. When all's in, and the c slap d ditt, rise herd and 
let the dogs sit. 

Jocoseh spoken to herd bovs after harvest, as if there was 
no farther use for them. 

135. We'll never build sandy e bo\vrocks together. 
That is, we will never be cordial or familiar together. 

136. Wohder at your old shoes, when you have gotten 
your new. 

An answer to them that say they wonder at you, or what 
you do. 

* Inclosure. w Barren. x Cows, y Puddle. z A dis- 
ease incident to cattle, called the Turn. a Shirt. b For- 
tune. c Gape. d Stopt. e Little houses that chil- 
dren build for play. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 227 

137. Upon my own expences, as the man big'd the 
f dike. 

Taken from an inscription upon a church-yard in Scotland, 
1 John Moody cives Abredoiiensis, . 
Bnilded lliiskirk-jerd of fitty upon my own expences. 

138. Want of wit is worse than want of geer. 

139. Unsaid be your word, and your nose in a turd. 
Spoken when people predict ill things to us, we wish his 

word may be void, and the other as a reward of his ill will. 

140. When he dies for age, you may quake for fear. 
Intimating that you are not much younger. 

141. We'll bark our selves e'er we buy dogs so dear. 
Spoken when too dear a rate is asked for what we are 

buying. 

142. *Wite your self if your wife be with bairn. 
Spoken when peoples misfortunes come by their own blame. 

143. When you are well hold you so. 

A discouragement from hazarding the alteration of our 
condition by new projects. 

144. When the well is full it will run over. 

That is, when people are much wronged they will shew 
their resentments. To the same purpose the next, 

145. When the pot's full it will boil over. 

146. Whom God will help none can hinder. 

147. What said Muck ? The greater knave the better 
luck. 

Eng. — Knaves and fools divide the world. 

148. What may be, may not be. 

149. Where nothing is the king loseth his right. 
And so much the subject, but with this difference, that the 

king loseth his right in no other case. 

150. Wage will get a page. 

If 1 be able to hire servants I will get them to hire. 

151. Where drums beat laws are silent. 

This proverb came in use before the war was oarried on in 
so regular a method. 

Eat. — Inter arma silent leges. 

Item. — Kara fides pietasque viris qui castra sequuntur. 

152. Under water dearth, under snow bread. 

Great rains in winter wash and impoverish the ground; but 
snow is supposed to cherish it. 

f Wall. B Blame, 



l 2 l 2S SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

153. Wishers and walders are poor housholders. 
This, with several others, signifies the vanity of empty 

wishes. 

154. War makes thieves, and peace hangs them. 
This has relation to the border wars betwixt the two na- 
tions, which was the great nursery of thieves. 

1 55. Wedding and ill-wintering tame both man and 
beast. 

156. Up hill spare me, down hill bear me, plain way 
spare me not; let me not drink when I am hot. 

A rule in jockyship how to use a horse in a journey. To 
the same purpose the next. 

157. Up hill spare me, down hill take b tent to thee. 
For if you ride fast down a hill the horse will be fair to 

stumble. 

158. We cannot both sup and blow. 
Lat. — Simul sorbere & flare est difficile. 

159. We will bear with the stink, when it breaks in 
the clink. 

Eng. — Pain is forgotten when gain follows. 
Lat — Dulcis odor lucri ex re qualibet. 
Hem. — Lucrum pndore praeslat. 

160. When the good man drinks to the good wife ay 
wou'd be well. 

161. When the good wife drinks to the good man ay 
is well. 

1 62. We must live by the quick and not by the dead. 

163. We are bound to be honest, but not to be rich. 

164. Well to the ' breuke and many mo. 

165. Well to breuke and me the old. 

Either of theie are a good wish to him who has got some 
new thing ; the last spoken by an inferior. 

166. We may know your age by the wrinkles of your 
horn. 

Spoken to old maids when they pretend to be young. 
Eng. — They need not look in your mouth to know your 
age. 

Lat. — Facies tua computat annos. 

167. Who comes oftener and brings you less ? 
Spoken when we come frequently to our neighbour's house. 

h Heed. > Enjoy, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 229 

168. Without crack or flaw. 

Spoken of what is good in its kind, firm aud stable ; taken 
from sound timber ; often apply'd to upright honest men. 

169. Unken'd unkist. 

170. Wise men are caught with Miles. 

I have writ down this proverb as the English have it, be- 
cause in Scotch it is smutty, it signifies that wise, meu are 
sometimes strangely overseen, and over-reached. 



1. Yelping curs will raise mastiffs. 

Spoken when mean and unworthy people, by their private 
contentions, cause difference among greater persons. 
H. You a tine the tuppeny belt for the b twapeny 
whang. 

3. You tine the ladle for the licking of the arse of it. 
There are other proverbs to this purpose, signifying that 

people lose often things of a great value, for not being at a 
small expeuce. 

4. You may c ding the dee'l into a wife, but you'll 

never ding him out of her. 
That is, a wife is seldom mended by being beaten. 

5. You have done a d darke and e dirten a worm. 

6. You have wrought a f yoking and s loos'd in time. 

7. You have been long on little h erd. 

These three spoken to those, whose diligence, about their 
business, we find fault with. 

Eng. — You make long harvest of little corn. 

8. You come in time, for ' tilling of your darke. 
Ironically spoken to them that are long a coming. 

9. You k breed of Mac Farlan's geese, you have more 

mind of your play, than your meat. 
Spoken to our children, when their earnestness upon their 
play, keeps them from dinner. 

10. You breed of the miller's dog, you lick your lips 

e'er the poke be open. 
Spoken to covetous people, who are eagerly expecting a 
thing, and ready to receive it, before it be proffered. 



a Lose. b One sixth of a penny. c Beat. d A dayV 
work, e Voided. f A day's-ploughing. s UnyokM, 
h Ground. « Losing. k Take after* 



230 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

1 1. You breed of the ' tod, you grow gray before you 

grow good. 
Spoken to old gray Leaded sinners who will not reform 
their lives. 

12. You breed of the tod's bairns, if one be good, all 
are good. 

Spoken of a bad family, where there are none to mend another. 
Eng. — You are all one swine's pigs. 

13. You breed of the crow's tail, you grow backward. 
Spoken to boys who do not improve at school. 

Eng. — He mends like soure ale in summer. 

14. You breed of water kail, and cock lairds, you 
need mickle service. 

Lairds in Scotland who hold ward of the king must serve 
themselves heirs to their father byabreef(as they call it:) 
and broth without flesh-meat must have many ingredients to 
make them savoury. Spoken to people when they call for 
many things, one after another. 

15. You breed of foul weather, you come unsent for. 
Spoken to them whose coming you could have excused. 

16. You m breed of the ■ gouke, you have ay but one 
song. 

Spoken to them that always insist upon one thing. 
Eng. — Your morning song, and your evening song are still 
alike. 

17. You breed of Kiipike's swine, your ° neb's ne'er 
out an ill turn. 

Spoken to young boys who are always plajing mad pranks. 
Eng. — Like good years pig, never well but when you are 
doing mischief. 

18. You breed of old maidens, you look high. 
Spoken to them who overlook what is just before them. 

Maidens are supposed to be long unmarried, because they 
look for courtiers of a higher cendition than those that offer 
themselves : though perhaps other reasons might be assign'd. 

19. You breed of the chapmen, you are ay to hansel. 
Spoken to those that ask us hansel (that is, the first bit in 

the morning, the first money for their parcels of wares, or the 
like). Taken from pedlars, who coming into a house will 
say, Give us hansel. 

20. You breed of our laird, you'll do no right nor take 
no wrong. 

1 Fox. m You take after. n Cuckow. ° Snout. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 231 

21. You are o'er hot and o'er full, sub to few of the 
laird's tenants. 

22. You breed of good malt, you are long a coming. 

23. You breed of the chapmen, you are never out of 
your p gate. 

Spoken to them that make business wherever they go. 

24. You breed of the butcher, you seek the knife, and 
it is in your teeth. 

25. You are like the man that sought his mare, and 
he riding on her. 

These two spoken to them that are seeking what they have 
about them. 

26. You breed of the leek, you have a white head and 

a green tail. 
Spoken to old graceless prophane wretches. , 
Bag. — You have a coil's tooth in your head. 

27. You breed of lady Mary, when you're good you're 
o'er good. 

A drunken man beg'd lady Mary to help him on his horse, 
and having made many attempts to no purpose, he always 
reiterated the same petition ; at length he jump'd quite over. 
O lady Mary, (said he) when thou art good, thou art o'er good. 

28. You breed of the miller's daughter, that speer'd 
what tree groats grew on. 

Spoken when saucy fellows, bred of mean parentage, pre- 
tend ignorance of what they were bred with. 

29. You i breed of the good man's mother, you are ay 
in the r gate. 

Spoken to them that are in our way. Taken from the ill 
understanding that is often between mothers in law, and 
daughters in law. 

30. You breed of the witches, you can do no good to 
your self. 

Lat. — Plus in aliena, quam tuo, vides. 

Item. — Aliorum medicus, ipse ulceribus scales. 

31. You breed of the herd's wife, you dress at night. 
Spoken to them who are long before they dress. 

32. You seek hot water under cold ice. 

33. You seek grace of a graceless face. 

These two import thai you court for friendship from them 
that will not befriend you. 



Road way. i Take after. r Way. 

x 2 



2.3C SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

34. You would do little for God, if the dee'l was 
dead. 

Thai is, you would do little for love, if you were not under 
fear. 

35. You will never get two breads of one cake. 

You will not be so obliging as to be twice serv'd out of tbe 
same parcel. 

36. You come to the goat's house to s thig wool. 

You ask a thing of them who are scarce of that commodity. 
Eng. — You beg of them who are read y to steal. 

37. You cannot get leave to thrive for throng. 
That is, your too much hasle spoils your business. 

38. You take more in your mouth than your cheeks 
can hold. 

That is, you take more business in your hand than you can 
well manage*. 

Eng. — All covet all lose. 

Lat. — Duos lepores sequutus, ne.utrnm assequulus. 

39. Y'ou are all honest enough, but l Lilly's away. 
Spoken when things are stolen in a house, and the servants 

deny it, or forswear it. It took its rise from a lady who pri- 
vately dress'd her lap-dog, which her servants stole and eat. 
I knew the same thing done by a bottle of vinnm emeticum. 

40. You ride so near the u rumple, you'll let none get 

on behind you. 
You go so sharply to work, that you will let none gel any 
advantage by you. 

41. You never saw green cheese but your teeth wa- 

tered. 
Spoken to them who covet something from us. 

42. You may be greedy, but you are not v greening. 
An excuse for denying what fine asks of us, because the 

want of it will not make them miscarr}'. 

43. You have good skill of roasted wool, it stinks 

when it is enough. 
Spoken to those that pretend skill where they have none. 
Eng. — You have good skill of horse-flesh, you bought a 
goose to ride on. 

44. You would make mickle of mc, if I was your's. 
Spoken to them that think much of what they have done, 

or what they have suffered. 

6 Beg. * The name of a lap-dog. u Rump. v Longing. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 233 

45. You have mind of your meat, though you have 

little hap o't. 
A return of wanton girls to young fellows, when they talk 
smutty. 

46. You have got the bitch in the wheel hand. 
That is, you have got a thing that jou cannot keep long. 
Lat. — Agninis lactibus alligas Canem. 

47. You have hit it, if you had a stick. 
Eng. — You have hit the nail on the head. 
Lat. — Rem acu teligisti. 

48. You have a ready mouth for a ripe cherry. 
Spoken to those who are ready to catch at what we have. 

49. Your head cannot get up, but your stomach must 
follow after. 

Spoken to those, who being lately risen to wealth are purse- 
proud, a thing very common. 

Lat. — Ardua res haec est opibus non tradere mores, 
Et cum tot Croesus viceris esse niimmam. 

50. You have a sleek tongue to lick a sore arse. 
A reproof to impudent and importunate flatterers. 

51. You wat not what wives ladle your dish may come 

under yet. 
Spoken by mothers to their children when they find fault 
with the kind, or quantity of their meat. 

52. You live on love as laverocks do on leeks. 
A jest upon them that eat little. 

53. You will neither dance, nor hold the candle. 
That is, you will neither do, nor let do. 

54. Your eggs have two w yolks. 

Spoken to them that think much of what they give. 

55. You need not lay without for want of a nest egg. 
Spoken to him that has a handsome lusty jonng wife. 

56. You are like Maby's mare, you broke fairly off. 
Spoken to them who begin well, and afterwards fall behind. 

57. You was put out of the oven, for nipping the pies. 

58. You have dirten in your nest. 

You have done an ill turn where you was last, and so dare 
not go again. 

59. You take a bite out of your own hip. 
What you say reflects upon your self or family. 
Eng. — You spit on your own blanket, (lap} 

w Yalks. 
x3 



234 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

60. You have a salve for every sore. 

Spoken to those who are read}' at their answers, apologies, 
aud excuses. 

61. Your bread's bak'd, you may lay by the girdle. 
Spoken either directly, or ironically, to them who have had 

great promises made them. 

62. You are the greatest liar of your kin, except your 

chief that wan his meat by it. 

63. You have a good counsel, but he's a fool that 

takes it. 
A return to them that give a counsel in jest. 

64. You may go farther and fare worse. 

65. You may get x ware *'bode e'er z Beltan. 
Both spoken to them that refuse a present good offer. 

66. You have brought the pack to the pins. 
That is, you have dwindled away your stock. 

67. You have given the wolf the wedder to keep. 
You have entrusted a thing to one who will lose it, spoil it, 

or use it himself. 

Lat. — Ah sceleste ovem lupo commisisti. 

68. You are all made of butter, and sew'd with soure 

milk. 
Spoken to them that pretend to be lender, or complain of 
small hurt. 

69. You lick'd not your lips since you lied last 
Intimating that what he then said was a lye. 

70. You took once a dog on your warrandise, and he 

was hang'd e'er night. 
A return to them that bid yon do a thing that seem? hazard- 
ous, and say they'll warrant you. 

71. You are come of a blood and so is a pudding. 
Spoken to them who boast of their genteel blood. 
Lat. — Stemmata quid faciunt. 

72. You have come to a peel'd egg. 

Spoken to those who have got an estate, place, or prefer- 
ment ready prepar'd for their hand ; or as the English say, 
Cut and dry. 

73. You are one of snow ball's bairn time. 

That is, such as wealth and prosperity make worse, or who 
insensibly go behind in the world. 



* Worse. y Offers. * May day, 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 0,35 

74. You will not give an inch of your will for a span 
of your thrift. 

Spoken to those who prefer their humour to their interest. 

75. You rave unrocked, I wish your head was knocked. 
Spoken to them that speak unreasonable things as if Ibey 

rav'd. 

76. You'll go the a gate Mackewn's calf b ge'd, and 
it c worried in the band. 

In plain English you'll be hang'd. 

77. You are so keen in the d clocking, you'll die in 

the nest. 
Spoken to those who are fond of any new place, condition, 
business, or employment, of which we think they will get their 
belly full. 

78. You are a e widdie e full against hanging time. 
Spoken to tricky young boys, whom they commonly call 

widdie fulls. 

79. You have ty'd a knot with your tongue, that you 
cannot loose with your teeth. 

Spoken to young women when they are married. 

80. You have sitten your time, as many a good hen 
has done. 

You have slothfnlly sitten still 'till a fair opportunity has 
slipp'd by you. When a hen is hatching the Scots say she's 
sitting. 

81. You f green to pish in e uncouth h lays. 

Spoken to them who are fond to go abroad, or of any other 
novelty. 

82. You go far about seeking the nearest. 

Spoken to them who, out of design, speak not directly to 
the business, or who take an improper course to obtain their 
end. 

83. You was bred about a mill, you have i moup'd all 

your manners. 
Spoken to inferiors when they shew themselves rude in 
their speech or behaviour. 

84. You was never far from your mother's hip. 
Spoken to those who are harsh to strangers. 

85. You are welcome to go, and you are welcome to 

a Way. b Went. c Was choak'd in the binding. 

d Brooding. e A load for the gallows. f Long. S Strange. 
h Fields. * A word proper for eating meal. 



236 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

stay, and you are welcome though you never come 
again. 
The ambiguity of the phrase makes it a proverb, for it may 
be taken either in a good, or bad, sense. The English is more 
plain. 

Eng. — Come and welcome, go by and no quarrel. 

86. You was never born that time of the year. 
Spoken to them that expect such a place, station, or con- 
dition, which we think above their birth. 

87. Your wind shakes no corn. 

Spoken to boasting and pretending people whom the Scots 
call windy people. 

88. You are as white as a loan k soup. 

Spoken to flatterers who speak you fair, whom the Scots 
call white folk. 

89. You make many errands to the ' hall, to bid the 
laird good day. 

Spoken to them who pretend errands where they have a 
mind to go. 

90. You m caa hardest at the nail that drives fastest. 

91. You n putt at the cart that's ay ° ganging. 

Both spoken to them whom we have been very ready to 
serve, when our readiness that way encourages them to put 
the sorer upon us. 

Eng. — AH lay the load on the willing horse. 

92. You are button'd up the back like Ach macoy 's dogs. 
Spoken to lean people whose back bones stand out. 

93. You are one of cow meek's breed, you'll stand 
without a p bonoch. 

Wantonly spoken to yoang girls, as if they would not be 
nice upon occasion: or by them to young fellows, as if they 
would not be very fierce. 

94. You'll get no more of the cat, but the skin. 

You can have no more of a person, or thing, than they can 
afford. 

95. You are as long a tuning your pipes as another 
would play a «> spring. 

You are as long a setting about a thing, as another would 
actually do it. 

k Milk given to strangers when they come where they are 
a milking. l Great house. m Beat. n Thrust. ° Going. 
p A binding to tye a cow's bind legs when she is a milking. 
1 A tune. 



EXPLAINED IV ENGLISH. 237 

%\ You have bedirten your self, and would have me 
to r dight you. 
Spoken lo them who have foolishly involv'd themselves into 
a business, and would have us to extricate them. 

97. You get o'er mickle of your will, and you arc the 

s ware of that. 
Lat. — Deteriores omnes sumus licentia. 

98. You spill unspoken to. 

That is, because you are not check'd you grow insolent. 

99. Your head will never fill your father's bonnet. 
That is, you will never be so wise a man as your father. 

ICO. You was ill hunted. 

Spoken when our friend comes after dinner is over; some- 
times they will say Shame fall the dogs that hunted von, that 
did not nakf! you go '"aster. 

101. You arc good enough, but you're no l bra new. 
Spoken to those that commend themselves, intimating that 

they want not their faults. 

102. You will never get honey for u hurson from me. 
If you scold me, I will not flatter you. 

103. You have o'er foul feet, to come so far v ben. 
That is, you are too mean to pretend to such a courtship. 

104. You look like * let w me w be. 
Spoken to them whom you see in a sullen mood. 

105. You look like a Murray man melting brass. 

106. You look like a Lochaber ax new come from the 
grindstone. 

107. You look like a x baz'd * waker seeking wash. 

108. You look like a wild cat out of a bush. 

These (and several others that I omit) are proverbial com- 
parisons, us'd when people look sillily, demurely, foolishly, 
or wildly ; 1 do not know the original of the first two. 

Lat. — Ominabitur aliquis te conspecto. 

109. Y'ou are not so poor as you z peep. 

Spoken when people pretend poverty, to move pity or for- 
bearance. 

110. You have a stalk of a carle hemp in you. 
Spoken to. sturdy and stubborn boys. 



r Clean. s Worse. * Quit. u Whoreson. » Into the 
house. w Leave ofi'. * At a loss. J Tucker. z Speak 
poorly. a Male-hemp. 



238 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

ill. You drew not so well when my mare was in the 
mire. 
Spoken to them who take a large draught of liquor. 

112. You have your nose in every man's turd. 
Spoken, with indignation, to busy medlars. 
Eng. — You have an oar in every boat. 

113. You will not sell your hen in a rainy day. 

You will part with nothing to your disadvantage, for a lieu 
looks ill on a rainy day. 

114. You have gotten a piece of b Kitty Sleitchock's 
bannock. 

Spoken when young ones flatter us for something. 

115. You are well away, and we are as well c qnat. 

116. You are well away if you bide. 

Both spoken when they are gone, whose company we like not. 

117. Youth ne'er casts for perils. 
Signifying that youth is rash and headstrong. 

118. You will get as much for one wish this year, as 
for two d farnyear. 

That is just nothing. 

119. You are of so many minds, you'll never be mar- 
ried. 

A reflection upon fickle and unconstant people. 

120. You think yourself every where. 

Spoken to those who object to us what they are guilty of 
themselves. 

121. You cannot see wood for trees. 

Spoken when people overlook what is just before them. 

122. You are come to fetch fire. 
Spoken to them who make short visits. 

123. You have got the first word of e slyting. 
Spoken to them that blame us lest we should blame them. 
Eng. — You cry whore first. 

124. You have pish'd on nettles I trow. 

Spoken to a woman who is angry without a cause ; as if she 
only vented her passion on us, but that the real cause of her 
anger was, that she had piss'd upon nettles and they had slung 
her. 

125. You have not got the first seat on the f middiug 
to-day. 

b Kate the flatterer. c Quit, d Last year. 
e Scolding. f Dunghil. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. '239 

Much to the same purpose when people are crabbed ami we 
know not for what. 

126. You live beside ill neighbours. 

Spoken when people commend themselves, for if they de- 
served commendation, their neighbours would commend them. 
They say also, upon that occasion, 

127. Your trumpeter is dead. 

Lat.— De te alii narrent, proprio sordescil in ore 

Gloria; si taceas, plus tibilaudis erit. 
Item. — Omnibus invisa est stolida? jactantia linguae 
Dum de te loqueris, gloria nulla tua est. 

128. You have got an office an arse to kiss. 

Spoken to children when they delight in some silly thing. 

129. You have got a revel'd e hesp in hand. 
That is, you have engag'd in an intricate business. 

1,30. You are so h \vill of your h wooking, you wat not 
where to wed. 
That is, you have so much choice, that you wot not which 
to pilch on. 

131. You will not sleep and the beetle without. 
Spoken to those who are importunate to gel back their loan. 

132. You are very fore sightly like Forsyth's cat. 
Spoken to them that pretend to foresee dangers at a great 

distance. 

133. You dreani'd that you diet under yon, and when 
you rose it was true. 

An answer to them who say, Guess what I dream'd. 

134. You would be a good piper's bitch, you would 
smell out the weddings. 

135. You wou'd be a good Borrowstown sow, you 
J sense so well. 

Spoken when people pretend to find the smell of something, 
that we would conceal. 

136. You sell the bear skin on his back. 

Spoken to them who promise, or dispose of a thing that is 
not in their power. 

Eng. — You sell the bear skin before you have caught him. 
Lat- — Priusquam mactas excorias. 

137. You are busy to clear your self when no body 
k files you. 

You may purge yourself of guilt when none accuses you. 

S Hank of yarn. h You have such choice of mistresses. 
* Smell out scent. k Finds you guilty. 



240 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

138. You will make me seek the needle where I stack 
it not. 

That is, send me a begging. Spoken lo thriftless wives and 
spending children. 

139. You are never pleas'd ' fow or fasting. 

140. You'll die m but amends of it. 

That is, yon shall have no satisfaction in that point. 

141. You have done with it if you had a drink. 
Spoken of a thing past recovery. 

142. You have skill of man and beast, and dogs that 
take the n sturdy. 

143. You have skill of man and beast, you Was boni 
between the ° Beltans. 

Both these a ridicule on them that pretend to skill. 

144. You may be godly, but you'll never be cleanly. 

145. You must be old e'er you'll pay a good * wad. 
Spoken to young people when they jest on old. 

Eng. — If you will not live lo be old, you must be haug'd 
when you are young. 

146. Youlook'd at the moon, and fell on the i midding. 
Spoken to them who pretended and design'd great things, 

but afterwards took up with less. 

Eng.— You look'd high, and fell in a cow turd. 

Lat. Amphora cepit. 

Institui, currente rota, cur urceus exit. 
J 47. You wat not what's behind your hand. 

Spoken lo those who push at you with a drawn sword, or 
present a charg'd gun in jest ; as if they would say, You know 
not but the devil may be behind your hand pushing you on 
to mischief. 

Lat. — Sub omnia lapide scorpius dormit. 

148. You have hurt your hand with it. 
Ironically spoken when people give but little. 

1 49. You are r stinted, I wish I had your tail to draw. 
I know no sense in this. It is used ironically when people 

have done little, and think much of it. 
160. You will not crow tread. 

Spoken when people fall in, or near, the fire ; we alledge 
that rooks will not tread those hens that smell of the fire. 



1 Full. m Without. n A disease incident to cattle 

that makes them go round. ° The first and eighth of May. 
p Forfeit. <» Dunghil. r Troubled, vexed, disturbed. 



EXPLAINED UN ENGLISH. '241 

151. You shine like the sunny side of a * shernie 
weight. 

A ridicule upon people when they appear fine. 

152. Your thrift goes by the profit of a * yell hen. 

A taunt upou them who boast of what they have wrought. 

153. You have a u crop for all corns. 

Spoken to them who love and eat all kinds of meat. 

154. You'll long follow him e'er five shillings fall from 
him. 

Discouraging from pajing court and attendance upon those 
by whom you will never be bettered. 

155. Your winning is not in my v tinsel. 

156. Yule is young in yule even, 
And as old in Saint Steven. 

Spoken when people are much taken with novelties, and as 
soon weary of them. 

Lat. — Quid placet aut odio est, quod non mnlabile credas. 

157. You wou'd be a good midwife, you'll hold the 
grip you get. 

Spoken to them that detain something of ours, and will not 
give it again. 

158. You and he pishes in one nut shell. 

That is, you are very great and cordial. 

159. You have mickle to speak of, a chappin of ale 
among four folk, and my share the least of it. 

Spoken when people make much ado about little. 

160. Your weime thinks your w wizran is cutted. 
Spoken to them who have wanted meat long. 

161. You x feik it away, like old wives baking. 
Spoken when people do a thing in haste. 

162. You'll be hang'd, and I'll be ? harried. 

Spoken to roguish boys who jest upon us. 

163. You had a hasty z goodam, but yet she lay 
undermost. 

A return to those who bid us make haste, and wonder that 
we did not finish such a business sooner. 

164. You are at the Mug of the law. 

That is, hard by, and ready to catch at whal is a going. 

1 65. Your b neb is o'er near your arse. 

' ' - ' • * — c 1 , . , ._ 

6 The fan that they winnow corn with bedaub'd with cow- 
auag. « Barren. ■ Craw. v Lose. w Throat, gullet. 
* Bustle at it. 7 Rained. * Grandmother. a £ ar< ^ u , 

D Nose. 



24£ SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken to those that complain of a stink, as if il proceeded 
from themselves. 

166. You are good to be sent for sorrow. 

167. You are good to fetch the dee'I a priest. 

Both these spoken to them who tarry long when they are 
sent an errand. 

168. You cannot sell the eow, and sup the milk. 
Eng. — You cannot eat your cake and have your cake. 

169. You may thank God that your friends were bom 
before you. 

Spoken to unactive thriftless people, who, if their parents 
had left them nothing must have begg'd. 

170. You are as supple sark alone, as some is mother 
naked. 

A jest upon those that boast of their activity. 

171. You would wonder more if the crows should 
build on your cliff and run away with the nest. 

A senseless return to them that say they wonder at you. 

172. You will ne'er cast salt on his tail. 
That is, he has clean escap'd. 

174. You'll go the car gate yet. 

175. You gang a gray gate yet. 

Both these signify that you will come to an ill end ; but I 
do not know the reason of the expressions. 

176. You may be heard where you are not seen. 
Spoken to those who are unseasonably noisy. 

177. You have the measure of his foot. 
That is, you can exactly humour hira. 

178. You look like a Lamermoor lyon. 
Lamermoor is a large sheep walk in the east of Scotland. 

The English say, An Essex lyon. 

179. You are mistaken of the stuff, it's half silk. 
Jocosely spoken to them that undervalue a person or thing, 

which we think indeed not very valuable yet better than they 
repute it. Apply'd on many occasions. 

180. You are one of the tender Gordons, that dow 
not be hang'd for galing their neck. 

Spoken to those who readily complain of hurts and hardships. 

181 . You have but one fault, and others have a great 
many. 

That fault is, that you will never do well. They call giate- 
less people, Ne'er do well's. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 243 

182. You are black about the mouth, for want of 
making off. 

A jest upon a young maid when she has a spot about her 
mouth, as if it was for want of being kiss'd. 

1 83. You are like me, and I'm like small drink. 
That is, you are little worth. 

184. You'll let nothing be c tint for want of craving. 

185. You must d thole, or flit many a hole, 

You must bear the inconveniences of the state and condi- 
tion in which you are, or change, and perhaps for the worse. 
Eng. — What cannot be cur'd must be endur'd. 

186. You are welcome, but you'll not win e benn. 
A civil denial of what we ask. 

187. You will get your f again, and they will 

get the widdie that stole it. 

188. You will get your again, and they will 

get the widdie that should have kept it. 

The one spoken with resentment, and the other jocosely. 

189. You are ay good, and you'll grow fair. 

A jocose piece tf flattery, which wewould not have believed. 

190. You have gotten butter in a s burd. 

Spoken to one that sings, speaks or ca!l> with a load voice. 
The Scottish wives give butter to those chickens which they 
design to rear for house cocks, that they may crow the clearer. 

191. You will make h claw a ' sar\ man's k haffet. 
By your squandering and ill management you will undo me. 

192. You have o'er mickle lose leather about your lips. 
Spoken to them that say the thing that they should not. 

19& You look like the dee'l in day light. 
Lat. — Ominabitur aliquis le conspecto. 

194. You'll be like the singed cat then, better than 
you are likely. 

A return to them that say they'll beat you; signifying that 
they look as if they were not able. 

195. You l mist'd that as you did your mother's 
blessing. 

Spoken to them who having thrown something at you missed 
you. 

196. You wist not so well when day m break. 
Spoken when a thing comes suddenly and with surprise. 

c Lost. d Suffer. « Into the house. f Any thing, 
naming it. S When you was a chicken. b Scratch. ' Poor. 
* Cheek. l Missed* m Broke. 
y2 



244 SCOTTISH PK0VERES 

197. You are worn from an n arful to a horse car full. 

Ironically spoken to ihem who are become big and fat. 
398. You cannot do, but you must over do. 

199. You are fash'd holding nothing together. 
Spoken to those who make a great deal of bustle and bring 

nothing to effect. 

Eng.— Who so busy as they who have least to do. 
L»at. — Magno conatu magnas nugas effutiet. 

200. Your wit will never worry you. 

Eng. — You are as wise as Waltham's calf, who went nine 
miles to suck a bull. 

201. You are like to the dogs of Dunragget, you dow 
not bark unless yon have your arse at c char'd. 

Spoken to people when they scold with their back at a wall. 

202. You are any p hool to the house, you drite in 
your i loof and r mool't to the s burds. 

Spoken to pick-thanks, who pretend great kindness to such 
a family. 

203. You are the wit of the town head, that call'd f lie 
haddock's head a thing. 

Nothing but a taunt to them that say a foolish thing, , 

204. You are sick, but you're no sore handl'd. 
Spoken to them that pretend sickness. 

205. You are ay in anger room. 

Spoken to children when they are in the way and get hurt, 
20G. You look liker a thief than a bishop. 
Spoken to them who are awkwardly dresH'd. 

207. You are seeking the thing that's no loss. 
Spoken to them who are taking up what they should not, 

208. You found it where the Highland man found the 
tongs. 

A Highland man being challenged for stealing a pair of 
tongs, said he found them ; and being ask'd where : He said, 
Hard by the fire side. Spoken when boys have pick'd some- 
thing, and pretend they found it. 

209. Your mind's chasing mice. 
Eng. — Your wil's a wool gathering. 
Item. — You are dreaming of a dry summer. 

210. You will never make a l mark of your a testan by 
that bargain. 



* Armful. ° Leaning place. r Beneficial. 1 Hand. 
Crumble. • Chickens. l A shilling. a A groat. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 24S 

The bargain is so bad that you will not gain by it. 

211. You have put a toom spoon in my mouth. 
You have raised and disappointed my expectation; 

212. You are good to carry a present, you can make 
mickle of little. 

Spoken when people overvalue a small service, or complain 
too much of a small trouble. 

213. Your meat will make you bonny, and when you 
are bonny you'll be welllov'd ; when you are well 
lov'd you'll be light hearted, and when you are 
light hearted you'll u loup far. 

A senseless bauble to induce young children to eat. 

214. You shall have the half of the gate, and all the 
mires. 

A joeose answer to them that say, What will you give me 
if I go with you ? 

215. You need not v wite God, if the dee'l w ding you 
o'er. 

216. You need not x file the house for want of legs to 
carry you to the * midding. 

Both spoken to them that have great big legs. 

217. You'll let little go by you, but speedy lads you 
cannot get a gripp'd. 

Spoken to people who catch at every thing. 

218. Your purse opened not when it was paid for. 
A reproof to those who abuse what is not their own. 

219. You are b corby messenger. 

Taken from the raven sent out of the ark ; apply'd to them 
who being sent on an errand do not return with their answer. 

220. You are like the hens, you go ay to the heap. 
Spoken when people take of the main bulk what they might 

gather of what is strewed about. 

221. You are fear'd of the day yoir never saw. 
Spoken to them who vex themselves with unnecessary 

fears and disina! apprehensions. 

Eug. — You are afraid of far enough. 

222. You are maiden c marrowless, 

A taunt to girls that think much of themselves and doings. 

223. You are bonny enough to them that love you, 

u Jump. Y Blame. w Throw yon down. * Beskite; 
v Dungbjl. a Catch'd. & Raven. c Peerless. 

y3> 



246 SCOTTISH PHOVERBS 

and o'er bonny to them that love yon, and cannot 
get yon. 
Spoken as a comfort lo people of an ordinary beauty. 

224. You have found a horse nest. 
Spoken to them who laugh without a cause. 

225. You fasted long, and d worried on a fly. 
Spoken to them who having refused many good matches, at 

last marry unworthily. 

226. Young men may dye, old men must dye. 

Eng — Of young men die many, of old men 'scape not any. 

227. You have made a hand like a foot. 

Spoken to those who are disappointed of their expectations. 

228. You have nothing to do but suck, and wag your 
tail. 

Taken from young lambs; spoken to them who have got a 
plentiful condition, place or station. 

229. You cannot say mass, but at your own altar. 
Eng. — Like the parson of Saddleworlh, that could read no 

book but his own 

230. You are not fay yet. 

People are supposed to alter their conditions before their 
death ; such the Scots call fay folk. Spoken when people are 
the same they were. 

Lat. — Antiquum ob tines. 

231. You'll hang all but the head yet. 

232. You are sorrowful strait shod. 
That is, too nice and scrupulous. 

233. You'll never e harry your self with your own 
hands. 

Spoken to niggardly people. 

234. You are best when you are sleeping. 

Spoken to troublesome children. 

235. You are thrifty and through thriving, 

When your head goes down, your arse is rising. 
Spoken ironically to thriftless people. 

236. You speak well with your bonnet on. 

A reproof to mean people, when they talk saucily- 

237. You are as mickle as half a witch. 
Eng. — You are either a witch or a fortune-teller. 

238. You may wash off the dirt, but not the dun hide. 
Spoken jocosely to people washing themselves. 

d Choak'd. c Ruin. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 247 

239. Your tongue goes like a lamb's tail. 

240. Your tongue goes like the clatter bone of a 
goose's arse. 

Spoken to people that talk much, and to little purpose. 

241. Your geer will ne'er o'er f gang you. 
Spoken to thriftless people. 

242. You are o'er early thanking. 

Spoken to those who thank you before they get any thing, 
©r speak of a thing that they have not got, as if they had it. 
Eng. — It is not good to praise the ford 'till a mau be over. 
Lat. — Ante victoriam triumphant caris. 

243. You serv'd me as the wife did the eat, you e cust 
me in the h kirn and * hurl'd me out of it. 

Spoken to them that tell us that they relieved us in such a 
case, alledging that they brought us into it. 

244. You had ay a good k whittle at your belt. 
Spoken to them that have a ready answer. 

245. Your ' minnie's milk is no out of your nose yet.. 

246. You are new come o'er your heart's m nipping* 
Both spoken to novices who are not yet accustomed to be 

with or serve strangers, aud take harsh usage ill. 

247. You never bought salt to the cat. 

You know not what it is to provide for a family. 

248. You will drink before me. 

You have said just what I was going to say, which is a 
token that you'll get the first drink. 
Eng. — Good wits jump. 

249. You strive about n uneoft ° gait. 

A man told his neighbour that he was going to buy goats , 
he ask'd him, Which way he would drive them home ? He 
answered, That way: The other said, He should not, and so 
they fell out and beat one another ; but in the struggle the 
buyer lost his money, and so the goats were never bought. 

Eng. — Noise about nothing. 

Lat. — Pugna est de lana caprina. 
260. You have a Scotish tongue in your head. 

An answer to him that says, He knows not the way ; inti- 
mating that he may ask it. 

251. You was so hungry you could not stay for grace. 

f Oppress, be overmuch. % Threw. h Churn. ' Drew. 
k Pocket-knife. \ Mama's. » Griev'd. » Unbought. 
Goats. 



248 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

Spoken to a girl who Las parted with her maidenhead with- 
out promise of marriage. 

252. You'll get him where you left him. 
Spoken of even-tempered people. 

253. You dare not for your arse. 

A contemptuous answer to them that threaten us. 

254. You have a constant hunger, and a perpetual 
drought. 

255. You have lost your stomach, and found a » tykes. 

Both these spoken to great eaters. 

256. You are all out of it and into the straw. 
That is, you are quite mistaken. 

257. You have lost the tongue of the * trump. 

That is, aou want the main thing. 

258. You are a sweet nut if you were well crack'd. 
Ironically spoken to bad boys. 

259. Your r een's no s marrows. 

Spoken when people mistake what they look at. 

260. You look like a runner, quoth the dee'I to the 
lobster. 

Spoken to those who are very unlikely to do what they pre- 
tend to. 

261. You have seen nine houses. 

An invitation to eat with us ; for he that has gone so far, 
as to see nine houses since he eat last, may be supposed to 
have recovered his stomach. 

262. You have tarried long and brought little home. 

263. You shall not want as long as I have, but look 
well to your own. 

264. Yon are a foot behind the foremost. 

That is, you are too late. 

265. You may go through all -<Egypt without a pass. 
Spoken to people of a swarthy complexion. 

266. You'll be made up at the sign of the wind. 
Spoken to people who have great promises made them, 

which, we believe, will not be perform'd. 

267. You are oblig'd to your * goodam, she left you 
the tune of her tail. 

Spoken jocosely to them that do not sing well. 

268. You are no light where you lean all. 
Spoken to them that tread upon us, or loll on us. 

P A dog's. i Jews harp. r Eyes. s Fellows. 
1 Grandmother. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 240 

26*9. Your belly will never let your back be rough. 
Spoken to spend thrifts. 

270. You soon ■ sash of a good office. 

Spoken to boys who are soon weary of what we bid Ihem do. 

271. You need not bite a mark in my arse then. 

A spiteful answer to them that say, surlishly, they know 
you. (I ken you well enough.) 

272. Your tongue is no slander. 
Because you are known to be a lyar. 

273. You have given the sore knock, and the loud cry. 
Spoken to them who do the greatest injury and yet make 

the greatest complaint. 

274. You may have a good memory, but you have a 
confounded judgment. 

Spoken to them that call to mind a thing unseasonably. 

275. You may v dight your w neb and x flie up. 
Taken from pullets who always wipe their bill upon the 

ground before they go to roost. You have ruined and undone 
your business, and now you may give over. 

276. You are more >'flay'd than hurt. 

Spoken to timorous people who make a great oat-Cry upon 
the distant appearance of danger. 

276. You'll get the cat with the two tails. 
A jest upon people of largo expectations. 

277. You are * sub to ill may you hear. 
Spoken to them that do not distinctly hear you. 

278. Your neck is a youking. 

Taken from a sensless opinion of my oountrymen, that when 
t heir nose itohes, somebody is speaking ill of them ; when 
their mouth itches, they will get some novelty ; when their 
■car, somebody is speaking of them, &c. The meaning is, 
I hat you are doing or saying something that will bring you 
to the gallows. 
"279. You will play small game before you stand out. 

280. You'll beguile no body but them that trust you. 

281. You will not believe that a bannock is hardened 
unless you knock on't with your nail. 

Spoken to them that will believe nothing but upon plain 
demonstration. 



u Weary. * Wipe. w Bill. * Go to roost. 
y Frightened. * Akin. * Itching. 



2.50 SCOTTISH PROVERBS 

282. b You's get a brose out of the c lee-side of the pot, 

A jocose promise to give some good thing. 

283. You'll grow better when you mend. 

A facetious truism, for no doubt they that grow better do 
mend. 

284. You got your will in your first wife's time, and 
you shall not want it now. 

A proverbial phrase complying with the humours of an 
obstinate wilful man. 
"285. Y'ou have ay a foot out of the d langel. 

Sjj.c'ken to them that perverse! 3' oppose every thing. 

286. You will never be so old with so mickle honesty. 
An answer from them whom we call, old dog, or old hag, 

or any other name added to old. 

287. You are as well on your purchase, as some are 
on their set rent. 

Often spoken to them that have as many bastards, as others 
have lawful children, or any such occasion. 

288. You ken what drinkers e drees. 

Yon know by experience what other people suffer. 

289. You're an honest man, and I am your brother, 
and that's two lies. 

You are as Uttfc au holiest man, as I am your brother, 

290. You are Davy do all things. 

Spoken to them that pretend that nothing can be right done 
unless they be uhout it. 

291. You have taken it on you, as the wife did the 
dancing. 

Spoken to them that lake a sudden humour to such a thing 
and persist in it 

293. You have not been longsome, and soul f farren 
both. 

Spoken to them that have done a thing in great haste. 

294. You burn day light. 
That is, you trifle away the time. 

295. You come a day after the fair. 
That is, afler the plfeper season is over. 

296. You have good manners, but you bear them not 
about with you. 

b You shall. c The side opposite to the boiling side where 
the fat is. d A rope or chain to tye a horse's hind foot to his 
forefoot. e Staffers f Rongh, clouterlv, dirtv. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 251 

297. You never heard a fisher cry stinking fish> 
Lat. — Laudat veuales qui vult extrudere merces. 

298. You must take the will for the deed. 
Lat. — In magnis voluisse sat est. 

299. You measure ray corn by your bushel. 

300. Your tongue runs before your wit. 
Lat. — Lingua praecurrit menli. 

301 . You cut long * whangs in other mens leather. 

Lat. — In alieno corrio liberalis. 

302. You drive the cart before the horse. 
Lat. — Currus bovem trahil. 

303. You have the wrong sow by the lug. 

304. Young mens knocks old men feel. 
Bruises got in time of youth will ake in old ag«. 
Lat. — Qua? peccamus juvenes, ea luimus senes. 

305. You build castles in the air. 

306. You may bite on your bridle. 

That is, you may vex your self, but get no amends. 

307. Youth and age will ne'er agree. 

308. You ride a bootless errand. 

309. You cannot fare well but you must cry roast 
meat. 

Lat. — Sed tacitus pasci si possit corvus ; liaberet 

Plus dapis, & rixae uiulto minus, invidiseque. 

310. You are moap e/d with being so long a maiden. 
Spoken to those who over-look a thing before them. 

311. Young men's wives, and maiden's bairns are ay 
well manner'd. 

312. You will not dye this year. 

Spoken when they come in of whom we are speaking, as if 
tbat was a token that they would survive that year. 

313. Your lugs might have h youk'd. 

That is, we were discoursing much about you, as if the 
glowing of peoples ears did signify so much, 

314. You are one of the house of 1 Harletillim. 
Spoken to them who are catching at, and taking away what 

ihey can get. Harle, is draw, from the affinity of the soi :id 
ai Harletillim, and Harle to him. 

315. You are o'er burd k mou'd. 



£ Thongs. * Itched, glow'd. > A house in Scctkr-d. 
* Mouth'd. 



252 SCOTTISH PJlOVEItBS 

Spoken to them who by too much modesty and reserveduess 
have left something unspoken which was proper to be said. 

316. You are here yet and your belt heal. 

Spoken when people say, They will go to such a place, and 
there do thrive and prosper, &.c. which we think unlikely. I 
know not the reason of the last part. 

317. You are not fed on deaf nuts. 

Spoken to those who are plump and in good liking. 

318. You're no chicken for all your cheeping. 
Spoken, for the most part, to maidens something advanced 

in years, when they speak, and would appear youthful. 

319. You are as small as the l twitter of a twin'd 
m rusky. 

A taunt to a maid, that would gladly be esteem'd neat and 
small. 

Some Scotish proverbial Phrases relating to Threatning. 

1. I'll take a a rung and b rizleyour c rigging with it. 

2. I'll make your head as soft as jour arse. 

3. I'll give you a d gob slake. 

4. I'll give you one, and lend you another. 

5. I'll give you the tiling that you're seeking. 
Spoken when ill-mannered boys are provoking us. 

6. I'll give you a sarkful of sore bones. 

7. I'll e scum your jaws. 

8. I'll gar you, that you shall not ken what hip to 

sit on. 

9. I'll gar your f daup e dirle. 

10. I'll pay 'till you pish again, pay you for your pish- 
ing, and then pay you for your misbehaviour. 

11. I'll give you a fluet on the cheek blade, 'till the 
fire flee from your een holes. 

12. I'll go as peaceably on you, as on the house floor. 

13. Ill gar you run, like a sheep from the shears, 

14. I'll watch your Watergate. 

That is, I'll watch for an advantage over you. 

15. I'll gar you'll make twa of that. 
That is, eat in your words. 

1 A twitter is that part of a thread that is spun too small. 
m A sort of a vessel made of straw to hold meal in. a A big 
slafr'. » Beat heartily. * Back. * Blow on the chops, 
• .Vkim. f Backside. * Prickle, smart. 



EXPLAINED IN ENGLISH. 253 

16. Fll take a mote from your lug. 

17. I'll take my hand from your h haffet. 

Both these signify that 1 will give you on the cheek. 

18. I'll gar you ken the dog from the door bar. 
That is, I'll make you keep your distance. 

19. I'll pluck a crow with you, come of the feathers 

what like. 

20. I'll gar you ' blirt with both your een. 

21. I'll gar your k barns 'jape (clatter.) 

22. I'll break your back, and send you to the skinner 

trades. 
This threatning is commonly in jest. 

23. I'll learn you better manners than bite folk in your 
sleep. 

24. I'll gar you m girn like a sheep's head on a tongs. 

25. I'll gar you n scart where you °youk not. 

If you give a man a blow he will immediately scratch that 
place, especially if it be the head. 

26. I'll gar you sing p port i youl. 

What the English call a catch, the Scotish call a port; as 
Carnagier, Port, Port Arlington, Port Athoi, &c. 

27. I'll gar you laugh water. 

" A threatning to children when they laugh inteznperately. 

28. I'll handle you with the hands I handle my self 
with. 

29. I'll bring 3 our yule belt to the beltan bore. 

Yule, or Christmas is a time of feasting: Beltan or May 
tlay is a time when meat is scarce. A threatning to stint you 
in your diet. 

30. I'll give you on the one check, and kep you on the 
other. 

Thai is, 1 will first give a blow on the one cheek, and then 
as much on the other. 
There are a great many more ; but these are too man v. 

Scotish proverbial Phrases relating to Flattery and 
Promising'. 

1. I'll give you the tiling that will not r rnool in your 
pouch. 

k Cheek. * Cry. * Brains, > Fiee about. '" Grin, 
n Scratch. ° Itch. P Catch, 1 Howl, * Crumble, 



254 Scottish proverbs 

2. If ever I be rich, and you poor, I ken what r ye's 

get 

3. I s height you a hire. 

4. You're ay good, and you'll grow fair. 

5. Ye's be my dear 'till day. 

6. l Leese me that bonny mouth, that never told a 

fool tale. 

7. You shall never be chang'd, but for abetter. 

8. I'll kiss you behind the lug, and that will not break 

the blood in your face. 

9. I'll kiss you when you are sleeping, and that will 

hinder you to dream of me when you're dead. 

Scotish proverbial Phrases relating to ill wishing: 

1. I wish the lyar's mouth kiss a stone kneed deep of 

skitter. 

2. I wish you shoot as you shot u farnyear, your ' neb 

in your next neighbour's arse. 
Spoken to them who lias shot, or threatens to shoot, some- 
thing that you have a value for. 

3. I wish you was neither w adist her, nor x ayout her. 
Spoken to them who jeer you with some woman that you 

have an aversion to. 

4. I wish your hands come never clean from your arse. 

5. I wish you may never pish out of your hot bed, nor 

drite >' waking. 

6. I wish the hair of her arse was ty'd to the hair of 

your beard, that you had the z kink host, and she 
the red wood skitter. 
This comical wish was first spoken by a minister to a person 
of quality, who commended his wife's beauty too lavishly. 

Scotish proverbial Phrases, in Answer to the Question 
How do you do ? Or as they have it, How dee yee, 
how dee ye wit ? 

ORDINARILY. 

1. The better you do well. 

2. Very well, thanks to you that spcers. 



r Yon shall. s Promise. e Blessings on. u Last year. 
v Nose. w On this side. * On the other side. ? Awake. 
r Chin cough. 



EXPLAINED IN ENCxLlSH. 255 

COMICALLY. 

3. Merrily well if my mouth was wet. 

4. AH the better since you speer'd, speer o'er again. 
6. Loose, and living, and bound to no man. 

6. Bra'ly, finely, a geily at least. 

COLDRTFELY. 

7. Living-, and life thinking-. 

8. Even living, and lairds do no more: 

9. Heart whole and rnone3 r less, and a hundred pound 

would do me no harm. 

10. Well enough, but nothing too wanton. 

11. As well as 1 can, but not so well as 1 would. 

SURLISHLY. 

12. If I do not well, do you better. 

13. I do full dirtenly, I wish they had the skitter that 

speers. 

14. Even like your self, poor, and proud, and some- 

thing false. 

a Indifferently. 



AN 

INDEX 

TAKES' 

'rom the Principal Word of each Proverb, shewing in what 
Letter and Nninber every such Proverb is to be found. 

Because, b, 90 
Bed, a, 89. 1, 60, 66 
Bedirten, y, 96 
Beds, b, 114 
Bed straw, i, 36 
Bee, h, 22. t, 152 
Beef, h, 228 
Beetle, y, 131 
Beg, b, 45. h. 32y. 
Begs, 330 
Beggar, a, 124. h, 157, 

102. ru,19.o,l.s, ill 
Beggars, b, 45, 61,146. 

i, 335. t,205 
Begin, b, 92. g, 82 
Beginning, a, 300. 320. 

b, 100. e, 18. 1,318 
Bt'u»itv,y,280 
Beguiled, a, 110 
Begun, b, 14 
Begun turn, a, 14 
Behind, f, 46. t, 173. 

y, 147 

Belaive, b, 99 
Believe, i, 134. y, 281 
Bell the cat, i,32 
Belliiul, a, 201 
Belly, a, 160, 342. b, 57. 

w, 37. y, 269 
Belt, e, 8. i, 275. y, 2, 

316 
Beltless bairn, a, 252 
Beloved, b, 65 
Bent, a, 194 
Besom, a, 85 
Best, i, 256. t,201 
Better, h,C0C).i, 38,319. 

s, 109. y, 233 
Bid, 44 

Bidding, h, 17s 
Bide, h, 2s7 
Bides, h, «9 
Bigging, b, 31 
Eiggs, h, 152 
Bind, a, 206. f, 39 
Bink, h, 192 
Binks, h, 54 
Bird, a, 267. i, 341. t. i* 
Birds, b,U2 



Aberdeen's man, 11,191 
Able, i, 379. 
About, g, 6. t, 4. y,82 
Abundance, a, 285 
Accounts, d, 13 
Acres, h, 129, 273 
Adam, w, 17. 
Avisement, t, 261 
Afrist, a, 192 
Age, w, 140, 166 
Ale, b, 62. g, 33 
Ale-sellers, a, 191 
Alike, a, 292 
Alive, t, 214 
All, a, 198. h, C?9 
Almanack, b, ga 
Almost, a, 231 
Alone, b, 74 
Amble, t, 9 
Ambry, b,374. n, 51 
Amends, y, 140 
Amiss, i, 297 
Among you, a, 91 
Angers, a, 198 
Anger room, y, 205 
Angry, a, 174. h, 150, 

294. i, 88, 89. t, 156 
Another, i, 23 
Another- man's child, 

P. 22 
Answer, h, 293 
Apple, a, 260 
April, a, 336 
Apron, b, 103 
Acquaintance, f, 1 
Archers, s, 55 
Arse, a, 99,281. b, 07. 

c, 15. h, 302, 354. 

i, 291. 373. s, 83. t, 88. 

y, 253. 
Arse o'er head, h, 257 
A good again, t, 11 
Ass. a, 25 
At hand, a, 121 
At home, k, 22 
Aver, a, 167, 148. b,319 
Aunts, m,6l 
Aw, w, HO 



Away, h. 287. o, 50. 

y, 115, H6 
Ax, y, 106 

B 
B, h, 248 
Back, a, 60. t.262 
Bag, t, 24, 218 
Baggs, i, 172 
Bailery, w, 96 
Bairn, a, 68, 73, 155, 
175, 252. b, 4. g. 1, 

2. h, 78, 80. i. 156, 
371. t, 189, 215. w, 59 

Bairns, b, 31, 40, 41, 

03. d,39. h. 224, 370. 
1, 8, 01, 87. o, 51. 
t,H7, 317,251. w, 84, 
y,12 

Bakiug, i, 37 
Barkers, g, 3 
Balks, ni, 32 
Balmaghie, g, 27. i, 46 
Band, n, 41 
Banning, b, 146 
Bannock, b, 4, i, 115. 

t, 14 
Bannocks, b. 77. h, 229 
Bare, e, 1 
Barefoot, b, 172 
Bare legs, 1,37 
Bare man, n,6 
Bare words, b. 123 
Bargaiu, b, 123. i. 42, 

190. t, 193 
Bark, i, 183. w, 141 
Barkers, g, 3 
Barley, h. 199. i, 321 
Barn, w, 117. 
Barrel, n, 2 
Bastard, a, 119. i. 321 
Bawdy father, a, 250 
Bawty, b, 8 
Beaus, a, Coo 
Bear, t, 25 
Beard, t. 82 
Bearskin, y, 136 
Beast, e. 27 
Beauty, b, 89 



B»k, b, 140 
Birth, b, 78 
Bishop, t, 301. w, 56 
Bit, a, 29, 187. b, 137. 

i,220. t,71 
Bite, b, g. i, 36. n, 13, 

14. y. 59 
Bitch, y, 46 
Black, b, 73. h, 353. 

y, 182 
Black man, a, 227 
Blacks, t, 148 
Black spice, h. 204 
Blade, i, 80 
Blench, i, 249 
Blanket, h, 212 
Blawer horn, i, 199 
Blessing, n, 11. s, 51. 

Blind, e,6l. i, 174 
Blind men, b,136.i,227. 

228 
Blind mare, n, 75 
Blood, y, 11 
Blows, h, 179 
Blue, b,l9i. t, 18 
Blythe, i, 308 
Blythe heart, a, 128 
Board cloth, h, 102 
Bode, b, 52, 53. g, 26 
Boden geer, b, 43 
Boden, h, 182 
Bodes, y, 65 
Bog, h, 141 
Bolt, t, 19, 29 
Bone, c,22. g,42.h,77, 

207. i, 317. t,49 
Bones, t, 295. w, 37 
Bonnet, b, 150. i. 18. 

y, 236 

Bonny, b, 121. y, 223 
Bon ploughs, h, 149 
Book, s, 134. t, 184. 

1, 105 
Boot, b, 119- b, 341 
Bore, n, 57 
Born, y, 86 
Borrock, y, 93 
Borrow, b, 109 
Borrowed, a, 31. h, 330 
Borrowing, h, 96 
Borrowing day9, h,377 
Borrows, h, 152 
Bosom, p, 22 
Bottle, e, 27 
Bought, d, 4 
Bound, a, 274 
Bourd, a, 10. b. 8. 57. 

i. 207 



AN INDEX. 

'Bout gates, i. 217 
Bow, a. 94. b. 54,131. 

h. 93. i. 51 
Bowrocks, w. 135 
Brass, h. 283 
Bread, a. 115. b. 23, 
24, 125, 126. e. 57. 
h. 71. i. 229. y. 61 " 
Bread and cheese, b.23, 

24 
Break, b. 36, 131 
Breard, t. 206 
Breath, k. 34 
Breeding, b.78, 148 
Breek, h. 177 
Breeks,a.99.172. h.303. 

i. 52, 140, 339 
Breuke, w. 16 4, 165 
Brew, i. 78, 225 
Brewing, i. 39 
Bride, a. 2 
Brides, b.120 
Bridall.b. 110 
Bridk, h.265. y. 306 
Brier, i. 266 
Brim, b. 21 
Brod, f. 45. h. 319 
Brose, i. 366. y. 282 
Browst, s. 33 
Brust, b.57-g-91-h.l5l 
Buck, w. 30 
Bucklar, i. 153 
Bumple feist, i. 264 
Burd, e.6. i. 223. o. 64 

Burd mou'd, y. 315 

Burn, w. 36 

Burn foot, i. 316 

Burthens, 1.21. t. 289 

Bush, a. 343. e. 53. 
i. 216. o. 64 

Busy, b. 118. e. 1 

Busked, a. 2 

Butcher, y. 24 

Butt, i. 136 

Butter, b. 138. h. 831. 
i. 210. I. 54. n. 81. 
t. 163, 287. y. 68, 390 

Buttoned, v. 92 

Buy, b. 25. t. 124 

Buying, a. 18 

Buys, h. 358 



Cadgers, c. 10. t. 73 
Caff, c.45. k. 11 
Cake, 1. 110, 226 
Calf, a. 35. h.92 
Gammon, e. 40 
Can, c. 16 



Candle, b. 12* 
Candlemas, a. 267 
Cannot, c. 5. i. 61. 
Cap, e.46 
Capon, i. 95 
Car gate, y. 174 
Care, a. 13. h.373 
Care not, c. 29 
Careless, c. 47 
Carle, a. 141. c. 13. 

g. 39. i-72. k. 26,27. 

p. 36. w. 18. 
Carle hemp, y. 10. 
Carles, c. 
Carlin, c. 14 
Cart, a. 130. i. 159- 

y. 91, 302 
Cast, c. 20 
Castles, y. 305 
Castle, e. 34 
Cast off me, i. 141 
Cat, a. 57, 148, 325. 

c. 32. i. 30, 32, 177- 

n. 41. t. 44, 183. y. 94, 

243, 247, 276 
Cats, a. 49. c. 3. e. 16*. 

g. 75. w. 32 
Cattle, h.373 
Cause, a. 113. i. 215. 

t.80 
Cautioner, o. 39 
Cawdle, w. 80 
Chalk, c. 55 
Chance, b. 84. 
Change, c. 8 
Changes, c. 7 
Chapmen, i. 2S3. y. 19, 

23 
Chappin, v. 159 
Charge, c~ 54. d. 14. 
Charm, t. 235 
Charters, i. 247 
Charter, p. 20 
Cheap, i.216. t. 124 
Chear, g. 34. 
Cheat, h. 320 
Cheery, y. 48 
Cheese, a. 341. k. 11 
Children, c. 50 
Chiswell, h v 110 
Chuck, s. 30 
Claw, c. 1. y. 191 
Clear, y. 137 
Cleaver, a. 135 
Clipped arse, c. 15 
Cloaths, a. 200. c 48. 

i. 184. n. 56 
Clocking, y. 77 

1.96. c.53.h.tOO 



Cloke,a. 



278. 



AN INDEX. 

Cow quake, c. 29 
Cowl, i. 84 
Cow meek, y. 93 
Cowper, h. 109 
Cowp'd, h. 131 
Cows tail, y. 13 
Crab, c. 26 
Crabbed, c. 25 
Crack, c. 57. h. 

w. 168 
Cracks, a. 26, 255 
Cradle, t. 46, 297 
Crave, h. 314 
Crawford, i. 342 
Creel, p. 13 
Creep, a. 155. i. 24l 
Cripple, b. 84 
Cripples, c. 39 
Crooning cow, a. 196 
Crop, h. 183. y . 153 
Crouse, n. 54 
Crow, e. 6 
Crows, i. 213 
Crow tread, y. 150 
Cry, a. 301 
Cup, 84. w. 52 
Curr, 230 
Currs, y. 1 
Custom, c. 51 
Cut, c. 34 
Cutty, i. 261 
Cutchem carle, h. 193 



Cloth, g. 12 

Clout, a. 291. b. 52.g.T 

Clue, t. 247 

Clues, a. 200 

Coag, i.l, 60, 125 

Coal, i. 'ill. 1. 46 

Coat, m. 66. r. 3. w. 130 

Coat tail, i. 165 

Cobler, 1. 47 

Cock, a 40, 70. k. 12 

Cocks, c. 39 

Cods, i. 276 

Coin, m. 45 

Cold, 1. 46. o. 66 

Collop, i. 95 

Colt, 304 

Comb, c. 49. i. 214. s. 9 

Combsters, c. 40 

Come, f. 74. i. 195,252 

Conies, w. 38, 3Q, 167 

Come day, c. 4. 

Commended, i. 304 
Common, g. 30. i. 173 
Company, a. 351. s. 36. 

w. 4+ 
Comparisons, a. 313 
Condition, c. 11 
Confess, c. 21 
Confession, c. 56. 0.16 
Conjurer, n. 73 
Conscience, a. 48, 78 
Content, 1. 22 
Contentibus, c. 36 
Conveniences, t. 225 D 

Cook, a. 135. e. 52. h.88 Damn, d. 36. p. 8 
Ccok'i y , o. 54 Dast, d. 37. h. 189, 309- 

Cooks, b. 11. g. 81 i. 355. 

Cool, c. 27 Dame, a. I89. d. 29 

Cooling, h. 271 Dam, a. 235 

Corby messenger, y.219 Damming, d. 47 
Corn, a. 17. c. 23 Dance, t. 136. y. 53 

Costlet, a. 280 Dancing, y. 291. m. 102 

Counsel, c. 2, 28, 42. Danger, d. 27 



1. 82. t. 1. y. 63 
Counsell'd, h. 33 
Count, c. 44. vv. 74 
Counting, o. 27, 47. 
Counts, h. 10,11,337 
Couple, s. 46 
Court, a. 66. b.68.c.l2. 

f. 32. h.7- 1-40.. o.37. 
Courtesy, o. 17 
Cousin, c. 46. g. 61 
Cow, a. 35, 61, 114, 

196. d. 12. h. 21,175. 

i. 105, 221, 359, 374. 

t. 38,63,145. w. 23. 

y. 168 
Coward, p. 37 



Dare, i. 246 
Dark, h. 128. y. 5 
Daughter, i. 66. m. 13 
Darling, b. 139 
Daughters, d. 17 . t. 21 
Davy do all things, 

y. 290 
Davy Lindsey, 0. 53 
Daw, w. 42 

Dawds, r. 16 

Day, a. 337. e. 17. t. 88, 
210, 282, 294. y. £21 

Day break, a. 106. y.196 

Day light, d. 3. y. 294 

Dead, h. 375 

Dead lift, u. 255 



Dead mother, u.270 
Deaf, h. 185 
Deal, d. 40 
Dearth, w. 152 
Death, a. 358. d. 2. 23, 

32. t. 92, 177, 215 
Debts, o. 61 
Debtors, a. 241. o. 48 
Deceives, h. 62 
Deed, s. 129 
Dee'l, b. 15, 18, 39, 
102. d. 21. i. 151,157. 
1.6,38. n.59. s. 125. 
1. 16, 33, 34, 96, 142, 
254, 301. w. 28. y. 4, 
193 
Dee'ls, c.8. r. 2. t. 46, 

63. w. 38 
Delay, a. 339 
Deem'd, i. 146 
Deeper, 1. 179 
Deer, a. 283. w. 55 
Defies, d. 20, 33 
Delays, d. 46 
Deny, i. 361 
Deny'd, i. 23 
Difference, t. 27, 120 
Dike, e. 42. 1. 44. m. 52. 

w. 66 
Dinner, a. 67, 330. 1. 51, 

78 
Dirt, 351. d. 20, 28. 
h. 37. i. 112. 11. 17. 
w. 114. y. 238 
Dirten, d. 8. y. 58 
Dish, a. 84. h. 213. 
i. 206, 250. t. 281. 
W. 32 
Dish clout, m. 99. n. 59 
Dishes, t. 227 
Dit, d. 38 
Do, d.25, 43, 45. h. 82. 

i. 363. y. 34,198 
Dockans, i. 58 
Doctor, d.33. i. 62 
Doctors, t. 277 
Dog, a. 131, 236, 259, 
283. b. 56. e. 47,51. 
g. 88. h.47, 124,263. 
i. 188,203,355. i.98. 
m- 79,91- s.78. t. 30, 
123. 
Dogs, d. 1, 11. f. 5. 
h. 16, 31, 143. i. 70, 
129. 1. 30. m.53,91. 
s. 100. t. 47. w. 141. 
y. 201. 
Dogs life, a. 104 
Dogs turd, i. 42 



Do good, u. 83. t. 233 
Do ill, h. 83. t. 233 
Do well, d. 31, 32, 41, 

44. g. 58. t. 202 
Domiue's, d. 16. t. 100 
Done, h. 23e. i. 284. 

w. 120. y. 141 
Door, a. 193. b.39. e.4T. 

i. 148 
Doors, a. 136 
Doublet, a. 172. m. 65 
Doves, d. 16 
Down, i. 176 
Dozen, t. 165 
Draff, a. £24. d. 7, €4 
Draw, a. 133 
Draw out, n, 49 
Dream, i. 28 
Dreamed, y. 133 
Dree, d. 6 
Drees, y. 288 
Drew, y. Ill 
Drink, a. 221. d. 26. 
h. C5. i. 225, 324. 
1. 50. n. 70. o. 54. 
s. 33, 82. t. 78, 314. 
w. 7,:*6, 14S 
Drink of water, a. 175 
Driuks, d. 15. h. 133. 

w. 100, l6l 
Drite, i. 18 
Drums, w. 151 
Drunk, d. 5. i. 24. w. 40 
Druken wife, a. 170 
Duck, a. 287 
Dad, e. 60 
Dumb man, a. 23 
Dummy, a. 2? 
Dung, k. 180 

E 
Eagles, e. 63 
Ear, i. 351 
Early, e. 96. h. 36, 154. 

t. 140 
Early iising,e.47.i.l45 
Karth. 1. 44 
Ease, i. 181 
Eased, h. 48 
Eat, e. 25, 28, 45, 62. 

h. 827 
Eating, a. 340. b. 50, 4a 
Eats, hi J51 
Eat well, e. 25 
Ebb, e. 4* 
Edge tools, u. 86 
Eel, h, 113 
Een, s. 106. y. 259 
Egg, a. 275. b. 5. i.x'jl. 

n. 71. 1. 107 



AN INDEX. 

Eggs, y. 54 

^Egvpt, y. 265 
Eild, e. 29, 54 
Eith, e. £6 
Elbow, s. 65 
Ell, e. 30 
Empty, a. ICO 
English, t. 164 
End, a. 60. h. 233 
Enough, b. 1 3,14.h.266. 

i. 272. 0.33. f. 194, 203 
Envyed, b. 135 
Erd, y. 7 
Errand, i. 187, 267. 

t. 73. y. 89 
Error, a. 2«5 
Est.:te, i. 155. I. 2g.3 
Eitle, o. 9 
Evil, h. 344 
Even. e. 49. t. 205 
Evening, t. 266, 273. 

t. 283 
Every day, a. 291 
Ewe, t. 206. w. Ill 
Exchange, f. 27 
Excuses, in. 3 
Expences, w. 137 
Experience, e. 2, 4 
Eye, a. 223, 27 1 -'. b. 57- 

g. 57. h. 25, 325,332, 

358. i. 133,218. w.]5. 
Ej es, t. 282 



Face, a. 202. b. 113. 

h. 194, 374. i. 308 
Fain, a. 177- f. 77. t. 91, 

150, 208 
Faint heart, f. C4 
Fair, f. 21, 50,73. i. 85. 

in. 46. y. 205 
■Fair day, a. 177- r. 1 
J air fall, e. 17, 23 
Fair words, f. 38, 65 
Falling master, a. 82 
Falts,i. 369. m. 2 
Falkland wood, 1. 93 
False, f. 20 
Fame, b. 113. c. 20 
Familiarity, o. IS 
Fancy, f. 33, 75 
Fann'd lire, f. 51 
Far, i. 311 
Farley, i. 102. u. 17 
Farlies, t. 89 
Fare, f.79. y. 64 
Farn \ear, i. 209 
Fart, a. 3, 50. F. 7.h.67. 

i. 243. C03. u. 18. 

t. 250 



Farts, f. 55 
lash, y. -.7" 
Fash'd, y. 190 
Fashion, b. 47. e. 8. f.f,2 
Fasted, y. 225 
Fasten ev'n night, a.l8S 
Father, a. 256. h. 75. 

i. 307. t. 76, 155 
Fathers, t. 203 
Fatherless, t. 213 
Fault, i. 102. y. 181 
Faults, i. 204. w. 16 
Fawn, b. 06 
Fay, t. 250, 257. y. 230 
Feals, e. 2 
Feast, d. 133. i. 337 « 

k. 24. I. 102 
Feasts, f. 63 
Feather, h. 75 
Feathered, h.267 
Feathers, f. 57. t. 212 
Featless, f. 23 
February, a. 333. f. 47 
Fed, 1). 80 
Feeding, f. 16 
Feeling, f. lo 
Feet, a. 15. g. 64. h. 284 
Feik, y. l6l 
Feigius, a. 2ig 
Fellow, i. 72 
Fellows, a. 138. t. 263 
Fen over, t. 27 
Fetch, g. 68 
Fezards, t. 243 
Fiddle, is68. 1. 83. t. 220 
Fidiers, :. "2, 79 
Fidg'd, t. 91 
Fidging snare, a. 39 
Field, i. 76 
Fighting, i. 153 
Fights, a. 219 
Files, y. 137 
Fill, t. 181 
FillM, b. 81 
Fill full, f. 31 
Find, t. 2C0 
Find faults, h. 313 
Findsilly bairn, a. 175 
Fine as nppence, a, 101 
Fine, f. 57 
Finger, b. 7. h. 268. 

i. 18. 1. 99. p. 33 
Fire, a. 144. b. 

f. 51,70. i.03. k. 36. 
h 72. y. 122 
Fire side, a. 350 
First, f. 74 
First up, h. 138 
Fish, a. 71,83. f. 34 
73. g. 15,32. h. 147* 



AN INDEX 



Freer, n. 85 
Frects, h. 23. w. 101 
Fresh fish, f. 34 
Friend, a. 66, 88, 294, 

352. b. 13, 134. c. 54. 

i. 164, 170, 208, 305. 

1. 96. n. 39, 40. 42. 

r. 24. 
Friends, a. 67, 328. f.15. 

m. 28. s. 69. w. 8,65. 

y.69 
Friendship, f. 12. s. 2 
Fristed, t. 28 
Frost, f. IS, 22 
Fruit, h. 64. ill 
Fnff, t. 23 
Full, h. 77- t. 49 
Full man, a. 59 
Full weime, b. 67 
Furlet,m.65 
Further, y. 64 



Gait, i. e. goat, y. 249- 

t. 62. y. 36 
Gains, g. 50 
Gall'd horse, 1. 190 
Game, a. 242 
Gamesters ale, g.80 



i. 262, 343. n. 53. 
t. 44 

Fishes, h. 174 
Fison, 1. 197 
Fisonless, f. 21 
Five, a. 53 
Flams, e. 15 
Flaw, w. 168 
Flay'd, h. 205. y. 276 
Flaying, f. 35 
Flea, t. 1Q7 
Flee, f. 53 
Fleer, a. 298 
Fleetch, f. 28 
Flesb, f. 49. h. 5. i. 26, 

171. n. 53. t. 180 
Fling, f. 45 
Flinging, i. 124 
Flitting, f. 30. h. 144 
Flitts, a. H 
Flock, h. 81. i- 35. 

Flow, e. 44 
Flypey'd, i. 322 
Flying, n.81 
Flyting, i. 329, t. 15. 

.y. 123 

Fo, a. 319. t. 113 

Follow, y. 154 

Fool, a. 147, 173, 250, 

317. e. 55, 66. f. 43. Gape, g. 49 
fa. 107, 156, 260, tej. Gartans, i.368 
n. 1, 80. o. 22 

Foolish, f. 73 

Fools, f. 4, 14, 18, 29, 
30, 42, 50, 54, 67,68, 
77- g- 70, 76. i. 68. 
m. 2. t. 10, 304 

Foot, a. 60, 159. k. 28, 
36. y. 264, 285 

Force, f. 40 

Forecast, g. 43 

Foresight ly,y. 132 

Fore speaker, i. 101 

Forewarn'd, f. 37 

Forfar, i. 244 

Fortune, a. 338. f.2. 53. 

Fother, i. 123 

Foul feet, y. 103 

Foul hands, i. 131 

Foul thing, i. 243 

Foul weather, y. 15 

Foul water, c. 24, f. 19 

Founder'd, h. 181 

Fow, i. e. full, a. 249, 
277 

Fowls, f. 9 

Fox, a. 123 

Framet, b. 117. i. 208 

Freedom, f. 44 



w. 124. 



Garwood, g. 54 
Gate, b. 85 

y. 214 
Gathered, n. 3 
Gaunting, g. 45, 66 
Geer, a. 240. e. 43. g.14, 

25. h. 52,' 120, 176, 

214, 224, 281, 315. 

i. 306. 1. 15, 48, 57. 

m. 57- s. 93. y. 141 
Geese, a. 44. w. 113 
Geeways, g. 63 
Geily, g. 21 
Gentle blood, s.68 
Gentle horse, a. 34 
Gentleman, t. 157 
Gentlemen, g. 6 
Gentles, w. 67 
Gentry, g. 47 
Gets, g. 9.73 
G haste, c. 41 
Giff gaff, g. 19 
Gift, n. 85 
Gifted horse, a. 321 
Gifts, o. 51. s. 79 
Gilleynour, t. 43 
Girn, g. 38. h. 234 
Give, b. 87- g. 54, 67. 
2 A 



Give over, g. 17 

Gives, h. 2*9 

Glasses, g. u 

Gled, i. e. kite, i. 178 

Glisters, a. 16 

Gloff, t. 299 

Glye, t. 311 

Goats, t. 62. y. 36 

Go, n. 64 

Go well, h. 181 

Goes, i. 166 

Goes away, h. 35 

Godly, y. 144 

Going foot, a. 60 

Gold, a. 16. b.52. 1?. 40. 

h. 20, 304. i. 313 
Gone, i. 179 
Good, a. 297. h. 220, 
. 276. i. 122. t. 308. 

y- 189 

Gooddam, !. 36. t. 167. 

y. 163 
Good enough, g. 7. 

y. 101 
Good fellow, a. 92, 93 
Good folk, g.89 
Good man's, h. 27. w.93, 

160 
Good man's mother, 

y-29 

Good nights, m. 63 
Goods, a. 146. i.100 
Good turn, o.l2, 57,58 
Good wife, a. 182, 3 18. 

t.98. w. 94, l6l 
Good will , g. 36 
Good words, a. 

g. 8-4 
Goose, a. 179. g, 

fa. 49. i. 13, 99 
Good year, a. 220 
Gordons, y. 180 
Gotten, t. 230 
Gou'd, i. e. gold, a. 266 
Gouk, y. 16 
Grace, a. 211. y. 33 
Grass, i. 129. t. 55 
Gratt, s. 45 
Gravest, t. 313 
Gray bread, b. 20 
Gray gate, y. 175 
Gray mare, t. 284 
Great, h. 288 
Great bodies, g. 85 
Gree, g. 44 
Greedy, a. 279. g. 42, 

72, 91. i. 248. t. 43. 

y. 42 
Green cheese-, y. 41 



169 



23. 



Green wound, a. 04 
Greet, h. 80. i. 08. t. 57 
Greeting, s. 104 
Greets, i. 163 
Grice, a. 262 
Grieve, a. 22 
Grip, h. 113 
Groat, 1. 253 
Groats, h. 206 
Groaning wife, a. 310 
Guesser, a. 81 
Guess'd work, g. 69 
Guide, b. 49 
Guided, t. 2Q8 
Gunner, a. 1&4. s. 77 

H 

Hackerton's cow, t.196 
Haddock's head, y.203 
Ha'd, i. e. hold, a. 133 

h. 114 
Ha'd your hand, h. 114 
Ila'ds all, h. 250 
Ha'e, i. e. have, h. 45, 

54. 195 
Haggish, a. 180, 232. 

i. 137, 138. t. 23 
Hain'd, h. 169. i. 40 
Hair, a. 6. b. 3. f. 6l. 

h. 76. t. 123 
Half peny, h. 60, 349. 

t. 151 
Half peny cat, a. 57 
Half egg, b. 5 
Hall, i. 85 
Hally, o. 31 
Halting, i. i6 
Hame, a. 189- h. 51. 

k. 22 
Hameliness, p. 17 
Hamely, m. 58 
Hand, a. 120, 121,151, 

161, 171, 214. e. 21. 

g. 39. h. 46, 340. 

n. 54.0. 21,63. p.10, 

13. y. 227, 147, 148 
Hands, h. 370. m. 10, 

11. s. 108, t. 285 
Hand loose, b. 22 
Handsome, h. 324 
Hang, g. 48. h. 19. 

y. 231 
Hang'd, a. 221, 292. 

h. 242. y. 162 
Hanging, h. 197 
Hansel, i. 188 
Hap, h.60. 11. 90. s. 90. 

t. 238 
Happen, n. 23 



AN INDEX. 

Happiest, h. 221 
Happy, b. 68. h. 219 
Happy man, b. 46. 

h. 243. t. 83 
Hard, t. 209 
Hardy man, a. 180 
Hareship, h. 122, 259 
Hare's foot, k. 35 
Harms, i. 278 
Harric, h. 12. y. 233 
Harried, t. 174 
Harrow, t. 216 
Ha'se, n. 50 
Haste, f. 6. h. 166. 

n. 33, 34. t. 81 
Hasty, i. 25-1 
Hates, h. 155 
Have, i.353 
Hawnkciing, h. 117. 
Hawk, a. 120. h. 87 
Hay, 101 

Head, a. 58, b. 36. h. 2, 
24, 208. i. 118. m. 77- 
s. 75, 76, 108. 1. 160, 
275. w. 22, 27. y- 49, 
94 
Heads, s. 116. t. 253 
Heal'd, a. 309 
Health, a. 182 
Heard, y. 176 
Hearing, i. 79 
Hears, h. 66 
Heart, a. 277- c. 56. 
f.24.h. 120,338.i.ld6. 
n. 68. s. 22. y. 246 
Hearty, a. 161 
Heel, i. 166. t. 138 
Heels, e. 49. h. 66, 146. 

o. 15 
Heights, f. 8. i. 255 
Heigh how, h. 226 
Hell, h. 225. 254 
Help, g. 35. h. 1, 239, 

333. p. 15. w. 146 
Help'd, h. 255 
Helps, a. 74 
Hen, a. 55, 290. b. 79- 
i. 34. t. 107. v.'. 82. 
y. 113 
Hens, h. 336. y. 220 
Henry check, h. 115 
Herd, w, 134 
Herds, i. 338 
Herded, i. 299 
Herd's wife, h.250.y. 31 
Here, b.66. h. 300 
Hereafter, h. 135 
Herring, 1.83. n.2. 0.56 
Hervest, i, 234 



Hesp, y. 129 
Hews, h. 24 
Hides, h. 6l 
Higher up, t. 135 
High gate, o. 44 
Hill, d. 9. t. 224 
Himself, e. ll. h. 3 
Hinder end, h. 136 
Hip, y.84 
Hips, 1. 195 
Hit, y. 47 
Hoards, h. 241 
Hold, b. 3, 6, 21. w. 98 
Hold him, i. 236 
Hold out, b. 38 
Hole, a. 295. h. 139- 

t. 101, 141, 186 
Holm corn, i. 245 
Home, k. 22 
Honest, i. 378. w. 163. 

y. 39 

Honest man, a. 21,274. 

i. 289. y.289 
Honesty, h. 173,217,272 
Honey, i. l6l. y. 102 
Hool, y. 202 
Hooly, h. 2 
Hope, h. 26, 69. w. 3. 
Hopers, h. 286 
Horn, a. 167 
Horner, s. 81 
Horn spoon, a. 273 
Horse, a. 3, 34, 152, 

217, 253, 276, 320, 

332. h. 8, 305, 3G3. 

1. 45, 69. o. 31. t. 7, 

41, 79, 190. y. 224 
Horses, a. 220. h. 9 
Horse shoe, s.133. w. 64 
Hot, y. 21 
Hotch, h. 239 
Hot water, y. 32 
Hough, s. 73 
Hound, b. 6. t. 37 
Hounds, m. 17. w. 75 
Hour, i. 126 
House, a. 28, 280, 332, 

340. b. 83. c. 20. e.38. 

h. 44, 245. i, 154,257. 

S.73. t.42, 303.W.42, 

99. y. 216,314 
House keepers, f. 76 
Houses, y. 261 
Hoot, b. 258 
Huderon duderon daw, 

a. 77 
Humph, h. 296 
Hunger, h. 12, 15, 17, 

18, 274. y. 254 



Hungry man, a. 12, 174, 

"2-43 
Hungry, a. 211. y. 25l 
Hunted, s. 100. y. 100 
Hunter, a. 164 
Hunting, h. 275 
Hurle-burle-swyre, 1.2 
Hussy, s. 85 
Hurt, y. 148 
Hutch, g. 31 



Idle, b. 128. i. 353 
Jest, h. 218. i. 2(J8. r. 7- 

t. 32 
Jesting, n. 86 
Jews, c. 44 
Jewels, g. 71 
111, b.26. 1.-6,11, 189, 

259. t. 233, 261 
J 11 deemed, i. 146 
111 doers, i. 5 
111 ftesh, i. 171 
111 fellow, n. 36 
111 ken'd, b. 26 
111 life, a. 324 
111 like, i.ll 
Ills, a. 54, 192. o. 24 
111 said, i. 93 
III times, h. 35 
111 turn, a. 268. h. 321 
111 war'd, i. 4 
III wife, a. 233. b, 101. 

e. 10. h. 379 
111 will, i. 7 
III willi cow, a. 61 
111 willi wife, 1. 51 
111 won, a. 134. b. 64. 

g. 14. i. 4 
111 word, h. 288 
Inch, a. 110, 348. d. 6. 

g. 11. h. 168, 334 
lutermedling, 1. 32 
Jo, h. 132 
Jock, a. 138. h. 97- 1.7. 

t. 111,312 

Jock thief, s. 4 
John Black, h. 232 
John Jelly, e. 21 
Johnstons, w. 61 
John Thomson's man, 

b. 122 
Ireland, i. 117 
Iron, b. 106 
Irons, m. 93 
Jack, i. 92* 

K 



Kae, k. 21 



AN INDEX. 

Kail, c. 19. g. 40, 61. 
h.63, 72, 104. i. 60. 
k. 19 
Kail pot, k. 25 
Keckline, i.370 
Keek, 15, 25 
Keen, y. 77 
Kempers, a. 17 
Ken, i. 200,201,202 
Ken'd, b. 144. 1. 63 
Kevel, 1. 22 
Key, h. 142, 143 
Keys, a. 62 
Kid, 132 

Kilmarnock, k. 23 
Kilpyke's swine, y. 17 
Ki miner, g. 30 
PCin, a. 264. i. 73, 285 
Kind,a.240, 277-h. 198 
Kindness, i. 233. k. 8, 

9, 10,16,17. n. 31 
King, t. 166. t. 73 
King of France, 1.17 
Kings, k. 2, 3, 11, 12 
Kirkle full, a. 6 
Kirk, a. 228. m. 72. 

n. 32. p. l.t.95, 97 
Kirk yerd, a. 176,1.33 
Kirnel, h. 112 
Kirn, e. 16. i. 109 

Kiss, a. 195. b. 143. 
k. 7, 18, 33,37, n.52 

Kisses, h. 362. m. 1 

Kissing, k. 1, 31 

Kist, i.e. cofin, a. 33 

Kitchin, a. 47. i. 30. 
k. 29 

Kitty Fleitchock,y.ll4 

Kitty Sweirock, k. 20 

Knave, a. 209. b. 143. 
e.32. t. 125 

Knavery, t. 70 

Knee, s.jl 

Knife, i. 119 

Knight, i. 41 

Knights bone, h. 367 

Knock, y. 273 

Knot, y. 79 

Kyte, i. 173 

Kythe, i. 86 



Lack, m. 43. 1.85 
Lacking, 1. 61 
Lad, a. 347- t. 24 
Ladle, y. 3, 51 
Lads, 1. 23 

Lady, c. 18. f. 64. i. 71. 
w.19 

2 A 2 



Lady Mary, y.27- 
Laird, i. 71. 142, 151. 

y. 20 
Laird of Giants, t. 67 
Lairds, a. 234. i. 234. 

s. 24. w. 63. y.21 
Lakie house, a. 286 
Lamb, i. 144, 356. 1.41. 

t. 39, 40 
Lambskin, a. 36 
Lambs, h. 222 
Lammas, i. 6H 
Langel, i. 162 
Lass, a. 237 
Lasses, a. 110. g. 6 
Last, 1. 172 
Lata, 1. 9 
Laugh, b. 130. h. HO. 

1. 52, 87- t. 242 
Laughs, h. 137 
Law, a. 95, 285. h, 295. 

s. 37 
Law makers, 1. 25 
Lay up, 1. 84 
Layers up, i. 152 
Lay, y. 55 
Lay down, 1. 52 
Leaden feet, g. 6i 
Leal, i. 265. 1. 8, 16. 

w. 118 
Lean, 1. 78 

Learn, b. 54. i. 168. 
1. 75. n. 79- w.6, 50 
Learn'd, e. 57 
Lease, n. 76 
Leason, a. 181 
Leasure, a. 234 
Leather, r. 19- y- KJ2 
Leave, b. 71. h. 145, 

148. 1. 4 
Leave off, 1. 28 
Leeches, 1. 27 
Leek, y. 26 
Leg, d.21 
Legs, w. 24 
Leeful, t. 102 
Left, y. '-52 
Lend, t. 5 
Let alone, 1. 35 
Let me be, y. 104 
Let on you, n.45 
Lick, i. 242. y. 69 
Lick'd, i. 104 
Lie, a. 132. h. 183.5.157, 

194,206,202. 1.55 
Lied, a. 249. y. 69 
Lies, 372 

Lier, t. 146. y. 62 
Lift, i. e. heavens, w.34 



Pokes, t Ht 

Pools, S. 122 

Poor, g. 86, 8T. h. 91, 

357- i. 175, 222, 265. 

y. 10a 
Poor folks, p. 23, 24, 

£6, 43 
Poorly, p. 31 
Poor man, a. 9. n. 25. 

t. 90, 179,291 
Poortha, e. 29. p. 12, 17, 

29 
Possession, p. 19, 20 
Pot, a. 158. w. 145 
Pouch, e. 28 
Power, m. 80 
Pow, h. 58 
Praise, p. 30 
Pray, i. 349 
Prayer, h. 331 
Prayers, n. 23 
Pretty man, a. 83 
Pride, p. 2,3, 4, 5, 6,7 
Priest, c. 4. t.6l. y.l6T 
Priests bairns, a. 91 
Profit, n. 21. w. 31 
Prizing, s. 21 
Promises, m. 24 
Propones, m. 39 
Proverbs, f. 69 
Proud, a. 126 
Pudding, a. 65. h. 244, 

312. i. 169 
Puddings, p. 9,32 
Pnind, w. 71 
Purchase, a. 327. y-287 
Purpose, t. 219 
Purse, a. 122, 327, 344, 
352. b. 140. h. 28,125, 

215, 26l. i. 140, iy8, 
o. 38. y. 218 
Purses, f. 60. in. 37 

Q 
Quality, q. 3 
Quarrels, h. 249 
Quick, b. 105. q. 1,2,4. 

w. 162 
Quiet life, a. 312 
Question, a. 208 

R. 
Rackless, r. 14 
Raise, r. 2 
"Hake, h. 29- 1. 130 
Ramgunchoch, w. 69 
Rave, y. 75 
Ream, h. 79 
Readier meat, g. 8 



an index. 

Reason, g. 71. t. 116 
Reave, t. 142 
Reavers, r. 15. 
Receptor, a. 86 
Redd, h. 68. 
Reek, a. 276. tr4S, 94 
Refer, r. 3. 
Refuse, i.3i0 
Refuses, h. 290 
Rekon, r. 18, 20 
Rekoning, t. 245 
Remedy, 1. 115, 133,280 
Remember, r. 22, 23, 24 
Remove, r. 13 
Rents, t. 158 
Reply, n. 9 
Reproof, a 103 
Rhyme, n. 88 
Rich, g. 86, 87. r. 4 
Rich man, w. 133 
Riches, a. 141 
Ride, i. 357- r. 5. 
Ride, a. 216 
Rides, h. 211 
Rig, i. 332 
Riug, b. 108 
Ripe, s. 25 
Ripling comb, e. 26 
Rise, h. 36. i. 196 
Rising, e. 47- i. 145 
Riving, n. 54 
Roast, b. 44. w. 88 
Robin Hood, m. 94 
Robe, b. 53 
Rob Gibb, r. 8 
Rode, h. 53. 99 
Roger, r. 21 
Rome, a. 145. h. 11 9. 

i. 139- r. 6 
Room, i. 54. 1. 162 
Rope of draff, i. 135 
Rot, r. 13 
Rue, b. 27. r. 10 
Rough, b. 86 
Rule, r. 11. t. 290 
Rule of thumb, n. 5 
Rumple, y. 40 
Run, a. 258. f.26-h.S4, 

335 
Run fast, f. 26 
Runners, y. S60 
Ruse, r. 1, 9 
Rused, i. 259 
Raser.a. 21 5 



Sack, a. 142, 143, 206, 

254. t. 48 
Saddle, e. 38. p. 44 



Saddles, h. 380 

Safe's, s. 49 

Said, a. 46. 1. 14. o. 29 

Sail, s. 1 

Sain, g. 57. s. 29 

Saint, a. 334 

Saints, t. tOT 

Sale, b. 62. h. 123 

Sale wisp, s. 92. 

Salt, b. 145. s. 34. y. 147, 

172 
Salve, s. 60. y. 60 
Sark.h. 101, 211 
Sarky, n. 69 
Sary man, s. 45 
Satan, s. 21 
Saught, b. 59 
Say, 1. 108 
Say nothing, i. 48 
Saying, s. 97, 131 
Say well, s. 47 
Scabbed, a. 217. i. 27. 

0.6 
Scabbard, h. 264 
Scal'd head, a. 58 
Scart, s. 42 
Scarting, s. 14 
Scholar, t. 66 
School tales, t. 17. 
Scon, o. 45 
Scorn, s. 27 
Scot of Galoway, h. 201 
Scotch, i. 364 
Scotch mist, a. 100 
Scotish man, a.l65. s.54 
Screa, m. 19 
Sea, s. 20 
Sea maws, e. 41 
Seal'd, a. 46" 
Seat, b. 121. y. 125 
Seen, i. 362. s. 102 
Secret, i. 185 
Seeing, s. 114 
See't, i. 288 
Seem, b. 88 
Seil. s. 8. 
Self, h. 289 
Sell, i. 293 
Sell dear, i. 97 
Send, s. 26 

Serve, a. 156. i. 96. s. 40 
Servant,a.326. i.185,281 
Servants, g. 29 
Serv'd, h. 138 
Service, 8. 112 
Sew, 1. 43 
Shaal, s. 35 
Shame, s. 24, 46, 59 
Shames, fa. 24T 



Shameless, b. 50 
Shape, a. 296 
Sheaf, a. 202. i. 258 
Shearer, a. 69 
Sheep, h. 81, SOI. i. 22. 

1. 82. w. 48 
Shew, m. 92 
Shift, i. 41 
Shifts, h. 19 
ShilL'd, h. 234 
Shilling, t. 291 
Shine, y. 161 
Ship, a. 20, 322 
Shitting sow, a. 166 
Sho'd.n. 12. s.sl. y. 232 
Shoe,a.l27.e.35. h.ll6. 

i. 67 
Shoon, b. 82. i. 377 
Shoot, h. 74 
Shoi J d, a. 150. h. 203 
Short, b. 28 
Short folk, s. 5, 6 
Shoulders, b. 127. i.150 
Show, i. 238 
Showers, a. 336 
Sick, b. 104. g. 204 
Sicker, o. 32 
Sickness, w. 126 
Sieve, a. 186 
Sigh, a. 105. d. 34 
Sight, i. 128, 227, 230. 
o.l4 

Silence, s. 38, 117 

Silks, s. 63 

Silly, a. 197 

Silly man, a. 197. h.82 

Silver, h. 125 

Silverless, a. 56 

Silver spoon, e.67 

Sing'd cat, y. 194 

Sins, o. 1], 43 

Sit, b. 27 

Sit flown, s. 96 

Sit still, b. 70 

Skathe,b.55,i32. i.271. 
m. 16. o. 34 

Skathes, b. 69 

Skill, t. 45. y. 43, 142, 
143 

Skin,i. 344 

Skitter, a. 90 

Skitterful, i. 3. 

Skittering cow, a. 114 

Slaver, i. 204 

Slander, s. 13. y. 272 

Sleek tongue, y. 50 

Sleeping, i. 344 

Sleeping dogs, i. 70 

Sleeps, h. 16,31 



AN INDEX. 

Sleeve, p. 10 
Slid'ry, b. 113. t. 26 
Slight, b. 10. i. 29 
Slothful, 1. 103 
Slothful hand, a. 214 
Slow, s. 12 
Slut, t. 187 
Small beer, i. 323 
Smith, t. 265 
Smooth waters, s. 18 
Snail, t. 12 
Snapper, 152 
Snoke, h. 28 
Snow, i. 9 

Snow balls, c. 35. y. 73 
Sober, s. 87 
Sole my hose, i. 58 
Something, b.120. g.55. 

i. 132 
Sommer, a. 45. i. 331. 

0. 62. s. 32 
Son, h. 339 
Song, s. 94. t. 229 
Sonsie, b. 1 

Soon enough, 8. 124 
Sore foot, k. 14 
Sore heart, h. 292 
Sore sigh, a. 105 
Sorrow, g. 68. h. 39. 

1. 104. o. 28. s. 15, 
41, 48, y. 166 

Sorrowful heart, a. 238 
Sowter, h. 252. i. 75, 

309. s. 34. t. 305 
Sowters, d. 10. s. 17 
Sow, sns, a. 166, 224. 

b. 42. h. 236. 1. 26. 

t. 84. y. 135 
Sow, sero, e. 36. s. 120 
Sowing, o. 52. 
Soure plumbs, s. 16 
Spade shafts, w. 20 
Spar'd, 98 
Spare, i. 15. k. 5. 0. 40. 

s. 101 
Sparrow, a. 246 
Speak, a. 24. h. 148. 

i. 312. s. 70. t. 246 
Speaks, h. 345. w. 33 
Spee, s. 39 
Speed, a. 24, 139. d. 22. 

t. 106 
Speer, a. 145. i. 110 
Speers, h. 13 
Spend, i. 33. k. 5. s. 43 
Spew'd, i. 295 
Spice, s. 91 
Spiggot, s. 125 
Spill, y. 98 



Spilt, s. 8i 
Spit, a. 151 
Spinning, s. 74 
Spindle, g. 46 
Spoil'd, i. 334 
Spoke, i. 370 
Spoken, m. 50 
Spoon, h. 163. y. 211 
Sport, a. 116. h. 126. 

i. 103, 186. t. 240 
Spring, a. 118. 1.8. t.220 
Springs, o. 41 
Spur, a. 314 
Spurring, w. 29 
Spurs, a. 139. p. 27 
Stable door, s. 7 
Staff, i. 299 
Stanch, i. 257 
Stark dead, n. 4T 
Stand, a. 284 
Standers by, s. 126 
Standing, 1. 47 
Startle, i. 296 
Stay, a. 284 
Steals, h. 103 
Steel, h. 378. t. 149 
Step, m. 85 
Step bairn, t. 204 
Stewards, a. 98 
Stewarts, a. 79 
Stick, i. 43 
Sticking, s. 53 
Stinck, w. 159 
Stirk, t. 54 
Stirrup, a. 94 
Stock, i. 270 
Stone, b. 147. h. 170. 

n. 71. s. 130. t. 26,51 
Stomach, s. 64. y. 255 
Stook, a. 202 
Stool, i. 130 
Stools, b. 16 
Stonp, t. 85. k. 15 
Stonps, w. 1 
Stout, a. 239 
Stout heart, s. 22 
Straw, a. 298. h. 192. 

s. 28. y. 256 
Straws, 1. 79 
Stream, n. 87 
Stretching s. 67 
Strike, s. 8, 118 
Strikes, h. 124 
String, h. 232. i. 274 
Strings, i. 14 
Strive, i. 346. n. 87 
Strokes, i, 77 
Stuff, y. 179 
Stuffing, a. 6 



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